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(NintJi  N.  Y.  V.) 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES, 


"  N"one  linger  now  upon  the  plain, 
Save  those  who  ne'er  shall  fight  again." 

WALTER  SCOTT. 

1  Right  conquers  wrong,  and  glory  follows  pain  ; 

The  cause  of  Freedom  vindicated  stands; 
And  Heaven  consents;  while  staring  o'er  the  main, 
Old  Europe  greets  us  with  approving  hands." 

J.  BUCHANAN  READ. 


PTJJ3  X.ISUED     33  Y    THE     AUTHOR, 
MAY,  18G6. 


.5 
q 

Vx/5 


TF/D0TFS  ^JV2>  ORPHANS,  THE  BEREAVED 
PARENTS,  AND  THE  RELATIVES  OF  THE  BRAVE  HE 
ROES  \  W&0\  %A  VE  FALLEN  IN  THE  RANKS  OF  THE 
.  TIIJS  ,  RKCORD  IS  INSCRIBED. 


REFACE. 


THIS  work  is  written  simply  to  give  a  faithful 
account  of  the  Battles,  Marches,  and  Camp  Life  of 
the  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES.  "We  feel  that  it  is  clue  to 
the  honored  dead  and  the  surviving  members  of  the 
Regiment,  that  their  names  and  the  valuable  ser 
vice  they  have  given  to  their  Country  be  retained 
in  the  records  of  the  Great  Struggle. 

We  would  acknowledge  our  indebtedness  to  sev 
eral  members  of  the  Regiment  for  assistance  ren 
dered  in  connection  with  the  undertaking. 


M122918 


CONTENTS, 


PART    I. 

PAGE 

FROM  CASTLE  GARDEN  TO  HIKER'S  ISLAND,     .       >„'•••          '*  »  •      .     13 
Organization — First  Principles — Sworn  in  Service. 

PART    II. 

FROM  RIKER'S  ISLAND  TO  KEWPORTS  NEWS,  .         .        .   :     .     18 

In  Barracks — Spoiling  for  Fight — Speech — Jumping  Fences — 
Inspection  by  General  Dix — Leaving  the  Island — Present 
ation  and  Oration—  Off  for  the  Seat  of  War. 

PART    III. 

NEWPORTS  NEWS  TO  HATTER  AS, .33 

First  Camp— First  March— First  Battle— Retreat— Skirmish 
of  Company  F — Rcconnoissance — Colonel  Phelps — Company 
A  go  out — Capture — Disaffection  and  Satisfaction — Compa 
nies  G,  H,  and  C  off  for  Hatteras. 

PART    IY. 
HATTERAS  TO  ROANOKE,        .        .        ...        .        .         .54 

Colonel  Hawkins  commands  landed  Forces  at  Hatteras — 
A  Document — A  Warning,  repeated — Arrival  of  Companies 
A,  D,  E,  F,  and  I — Chicomocomico — Capture  of  the  "  Fanny," 
and  of  the  "  Peacock,"  who  shows  false  Colors — Battle  and 
Retreat — The  Third  Georgia  Regiment — B  and  K  leaving  the 
General — The  "Bernard  Affair" — Violent  Storm  —  Narrow 
Escape — Burnside  Expedition — Crossing  the  "Swash" — De 
parture  in  the  Fleet. 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

PART    Y.  „ 

ROAXOKE   TO   WlNTON,     .  . 71 

Landing — Mud  and  Rain  at  Ashby's — The  Fight  Opens — 
Going  into  Battle — First  Charge  of  the  War — Victory — Re 
port  of  Colonel  Hawkins — Moving — No  Crackers — Go  on  the 
Boats — B  and  H  at  Nag's  Head — Up  the  Albemarle — Blood 
less  Battle — Burning  of  Winton — Report  of  Colonel  Hawkins. 

PART   VI. 
ROANOKE  TO  CAMDEN,    .    "    .        .        .        .        .        .        .        .91 

Making  Things  Comfortable — Colonel  Hawkins  in  Command 
of  Brigade — New  Colors — H  and  I  make  a  Capture — Perilous 
Undertaking — Up  the  Pasquotank — Midnight  March — Battle 
of  Camden — Another  Tramp — Back  to  Roanoke — Exhaustion. 

PART    VII. 

ROANOKE  TO  NORFOLK  AND  NEWPORTS  NEWS,  .  .  ,  .109 
Homelike  Indulgencies — Minstrel  Club — Company  C  strike 
the  Enemy — Sword  presented  to  Colonel  Hawkins — Company 
K  go  to  Norfolk,  via  Canal — Company  F  go  to  Plymouth — 
Fourth  of  July — To  the  Neuse  River,  and  back — Arrival  at 
Norfolk — At  Newports  News  again. 

PART    VIII. 

NEWPORTS  NEWS  TO  FREDERICKSBURGH  AND  WASHINGTON,     .        .119 
Up  the  Potomac — At  Acquia  Creek — At  Fredericksburgh — 
Company  K  surprise  the  Enemy — Midnight  Slippery  March — 
Up  the  Potomac  again — Arrival  at  Washington. 

PART    IX. 
WASHINGTON  TO  FREDERICK,.        .-     ., 124 

Colonel  Hawkins  leaves  for  New-York — March — Brookville — 
Laytonsville — Ridgeville — Cheering  for  Company  F — Reach 
the  Monocacy — Frederick. 

PART    X. 

FREDERICK  TO  ANTIETAM,      .        .        t        »',.'.        .        .128 
Wearisome     Chase — Zouave     Firemen— Marching     again  — 


CONTENTS.  IX 

Battle  of  South-Mountain — Hungry  Zouaves — Advance  upon 

the  Rebels — Feeling  in  the  Dark  for  the  Enemy — Approaching 

Battle. 

PART    XI. 
ANTIETAM  TO  PLEASANT  VALLEY,  .  -'.,-•  !.-  •"•  >\  ,<'^-;7'>i  ^<:  '   .  139 

Battle    of   Antietam — Terrible    Charge — Horrible    Havoc — 

March. 

PART    XII. 
PLEASANT  YALLEY  TO  FALMOUTH, 158 

Rich  Valley  with  poor  Provender — Crossing  the  Potomac — 

Marching  several  Weeks — Arrival  before  Fredericksburgh. 

PART    XIII. 

FALMOUTH  TO  SUFFOLK,         .        . 106 

Crossing  the  Rappahannock — Battle  of  Fredericksburgh — 
Retreat — Company  G  returns — Company  F  returns  from  Ply 
mouth — At  Newports  News  again — Ball-playing — Up  the  Eliza 
beth — Norfolk — Arrival  at  Suffolk. 

PART    XIV. 
TRAGEDY  AND  OBSEQUIES, 175 

Murder  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kimball— Confession  of  Gen 
eral  Corcoran — Escort  to  New- York — Grand  Procession  and 
Burial. 

PART    XV. 

SUFFOLK  TO  NEW-YORK, 180 

Siege  of  Suffolk  —  " Post  of  Honor"  — A  Change  in  the 
Manner  of  Battle — General  Dix's  Letter — Colonel  Hawkins's 
Reply — Complimentary  Order  of  General  Getty — Arrival  at 
New- York — Parade  in  the  Rain— "  Home  Again." 

PART    XVI. 
MUSTERED  OUT, 190 

Funeral  of  Colonel  Ringold — Mustered  Out. 

PART    XVII. 

COMPANY  F  AT  PLYMOUTH, 194 

Rainbow  Bluffs — Up  the  Chowan — Native  Militia — Battle  of 


X  CONTENTS. 

Plymouth — Bravery  of  Sergeant   Green — March  to  Tarboro 
and  Back — Sail  for  Washington — Rejoin  the  Regiment. 

PART    XVIII. 

TABLET  OP  KILLED,  WOUNDED,  AND  DECEASED,      .        .        .        .198 

APPENDIX— NOTES, .211 


TO   THE   MEMBERS   OF   THE   REGIMENT. 


"I  believe  the  fellowship  begotten  of  .army  association 
scarcely  has  its  counterpart  in  any  other  of  the  relations  of 
life.  It  is  stronger  than  a  three-fold  cord  that  can  not  be 
broken.  Your  comrade  in  battle,  your  habitual  file-leader, 
your  next-hand  man  in  the  ranks,  and,  most  of  all,  your  mess 
mate  and  blanket-fellow,  is  your  friend  for  life.  The  feelings 
you  cherish  for  him  differ,  somehow,  from  those  you  have 
toward  any  one  else.  Partnership  in  danger,  privation,  and 
toil,  communion  in  sorrows,  sufferings,  and  triumphs,  have 
inseparably  knit  your  hearts  together.  Diversely  as  your 
paths  may  now  be  leading,  you  all  love  to  go  back  to  the 
time  when  they  were  one,  and  your  lives  had  all  things  in 


THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES. 


FIRST  : 
(faetle   (pa^den  to  Bihmfs  Island, 

WHEN  Abraham  Lincoln  issued  his  proclamation 
calling  for  troops  to  save  the  country,  in  all 
the  length  and  breadth  of  the  loyal  North  patriots 
of  future  renown  arose  from  apparent  obscurity. 
So  simultaneously  did  they  go  forth  with  that  gen 
erous  enthusiasm  so  inherent  in  the  national  cha 
racter,  that  it  seemed  as  though  they  issued  in  a 
resurrection  of  those  wrho,  in  the  Revolution,  laid 
down  their  lives  that  the  same  Providence  they  then 
obeyed  might  lift  them  up  again. 

The  very  first  to  respond  to  the  sudden  call  was  the 
Colonel  who  commanded  that  small  but  faithful  band 
of  heroes  wiiose  name  occupies  these  pages.  Upon 
the  same  day  that  the  proclamation  was  received,  he 
went  to  Albany,  and  offered  the  services  of  a  com 
pany  of  New- York  Zouaves,-"  which  was  accepted  by 
the  Governor,  and  permission  granted  for  the  raising 
of  a  regiment  of  Zouaves. 

*  Note  A  in  Appendix. 


THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 


•  ';  tlpjon  hfe  ,  return  the  next  day,  Colonel  Hawkins  had 
but  to  unfurl  the  flag,  and  a  thousand  patriots  rallied 
around  him,  willing  to  brighten  each  stripe  of  the 
banner  with  the  crimson  of  their  own  blood. 

The  headquarters  of  the  New-  York  Zouaves  was 
selected  as  a  rendezvous,  and  men  began  rapidly  to 
enlist  under  the  Zouave  banner,  so  that  in  a  short 
time  the  inadequacy  of  the  quarters  was  apparent, 
and  Colonel  Hawkins,  applying  for  more  suitable  ac 
commodations,  obtained  Castle  Garden.  The  regi 
ment  was  marched  down  Broadway  one  night  amidst 
the  cheers  of  multitudes,  and  took  possession  of  the 
ancient  fortification.  It  was  the  first  capture  made 
by  the  regiment,  and  there  were  surrendered  to  each 
man  as  spoil-,  a  cup,  plate,  knife,  fork,  and  spoon. 
One  man  began  playing  juggler  tricks  with  these  sol 
dierly  implements,  when  his  finger  came  in  contact 
with  the  edge  of  the  knife  ;  he  sustained  the  merit  of 
being  the  first  man  wounded  in  the  regiment.  They 
found  their  new  quarters  sufficiently  spacious,  if  that 
was  all  that  was  desired,  but  the  quality  of  the  enter 
tainment  throughout  was  looked  upon  in  a  disap 
pointed  manner  by  those  who  had  blown  the  bubble 
of  expectation  too  large.  Ensuing  experience,  how 
ever,  created  visions  that  transformed  the  depot  into 
something  like  a  palace. 

In  a  few  days  an  election  for  line-officers  took 
place  ;  shortly  afterward  the  non-commissioned  offi 
cers  were  appointed.  An  examination  by  the  sur 
geons  resulted  in  the  rejection  of  some  few  who  had 
consulted  their  desire  rather  than  their  ability  to  bear 
arms. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  15 

On  the  23d  of  April,  six  companies  were  sworn  into 
the  State  service ;  on  the  27th,  the  remaining  four 
took  the  same  oath  of  fealty. 

On  Sunday,  May  2d,  for  the  first  time  since  the 
clays  of  the  Revolution,  religious  services  were  held 
within  the  walls  of  the  old  castle.  The  Rev.  T.  W. 
Conway  (afterward  Superintendent  of  Freedmen  in 
Louisiana)  conducted  the  worship.  In  the  morning, 
the  troops  were  drawn  up  in  mass,  confronting  the 
desk  occupied  by  the  chaplain,  and  for  forty  minutes 
they  listened  with  profound  interest  to  the  able  and 
affecting  discourse  of  the  worthy  man. 

While  the  drilling  without  muskets  drew  immense 
crowds  to  witness  the  evolutions,  it  became  a  ques 
tion  with  Colonel  Hawkins  as  to  whether  he  could 
not  obtain  quarters  more  convenient  for  the  men ; 
for  some  dissatisfaction  already  existed,  not  among 
the  members  of  the  regiment,  but  with  the  Commis 
sioners  of  Emigration.  An  effort  to  fulfill  this  desire 
only  resulted  in  worse  accommodation ;  for,  upon 
marching  the  regiment  to  the  premises  that  had  been 
granted  for  the  purpose  in  La  Fayette  Place,  the  men 
were  dismissed  for  a  few  hours.  Assembled  again  in 
the  afternoon,  they  were  conducted  in  order  to  Centre 
Market  armories,  where  no  adequate  provision  had 
been  made.  But  Colonel  Hawkins  did  not  at  once 
renounce  all  hope  of  yet  securing  for  his  command 
proper  quarters  for  them  to  remain  in.  He  applied 
to  Captain  Dodge,  of  Bedloe's  Island,  requesting  him 
to  allow  that  rendezvous  to  be  occupied  by  the  regi 
ment  ;  but  owing  to  the  large  force  of  United  States 
troops  stationed  there,  it  could  not  be  accommodated. 


16  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

Application  to  the  commandant  of  Fort  Hamilton 
only  resulted  in  a  similar  manner.  But  shortly  after 
ward  we  find  the  Colonel,  like  an  anxious  guardian, 
leading  his  men  back  to  Castle  Garden,  with  the  re 
flection  that  there  were  less  inconveniences  inside 
than  outside  of  it. 

On  the  4th  day  of  May,  1861,  the  whole  regiment 
was  sworn  into  the  United  States  service  by  Captain 
Hayman,  of  the  United  States  Army. 

New  and  extensive  barracks  had  been  in  the  course 
of  erection  for  some  time  on  Hiker's  Island,  and  it 
was  expected  the  "Ninth"  would  soon  occupy  them. 
Preparation  to  leave  the  depot  was  not  undertaken, 
however,  until  the  15th  day  of  May.  Their  depart 
ure  had  been  announced  in  the  daily  papers,  and  an 
immense  concourse  of  citizens  gathered  around  the 
Battery  to  witness  the  occasion  of  their  embarkation  ; 
but  the  spectators  were  in  a  measure  disappointed 
when  they  learned  that  the  regiment  had  formed  in 
side  the  Castle,  and  were  to  embark  from  the  pier  of 
the  Garden.  The  order  to  be  ready  had  been  desig 
nated  at  nine  o'clock,  which  order  was  strictly  ad 
hered  to,  and  all  its  detail  observed.  The  luggage 
having  been  put  on  the  steamer  Young  America  and 
the  barge  Irene,  the  men  were  marched  aboard.  The 
steamer  cut  loose  her  hawser,  and  hauling  the  barge 
out  in  the  stream,  began  to  move  for  the  East  River. 
The  drum-corps  of  the  "  Ninth  "  gave  a  parting  salute, 
and  the  most  deafening  cheers  went  up  from  the  vast 
multitude  outside  the  Battery.  The  members  of  the 
Second  New- York  were  drawn  up  in  line  at  the 
water's  edge,  and  gave  the  Zouaves  an  enthusiastic 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  17 

cheering ;  their  drum-corps  also  beating  a  salute  to 
their  departure.  Finally,  Captain  Mott's  battery,  of 
two  twelve-pound  howitzers,  opened  their  throats  and 
belched  forth  a  deafening  farewell  of  eleven  rounds. 
The  different  scenes  on  the  shore  were  indeed  animat 
ing,  all  the  space  between  the  bell-ringing  and  gun- 
firing  being  filled  with  the  waving  of  handkerchiefs 
by  the  fair  sex,  who  were  there  in  large  numbers ;  the 
Zouaves,  in  the  mean  time,  making  themselves  hoarse 
in  their  attempts  to  return  all  the  compliments.  This 
condition  of  enthusiasm  did  not  cease  until  they  were 
far  up  the  East  River,  out  of  sight.  Every  vessel 
that  passed  the  regiment  gave  some  token  of  ap 
plause,  either  by  the  crew  cheering,  or  the  dipping  of 
colors,  blowing  of  whistle,  or  ringing  of  bell.  When 
above  Blackwell's  Island,  the  United  States  steamer 
Yixen,  coming  down  the  river,  was  greeted  appro 
priately  by  the  troops,  and  the  notice  was  ceremo 
niously  returned  by  the  gallant  tars,  the  officers  lifting 
their  caps  in  true  navy  style. 

About  twelve  o'clock  M.,  the  troops  arrived  at  their 
destination  on  the  island,  and  the  disembarkation  was 
rapidly  effected  in  a  manner  that  gave  evidence  that 
they  could  already  handle  their  luggage  with  alacrity  ; 
which  is  easily  accounted  for  from  the  fact  that  the 
men  were  all  active,  intelligent,  and  young,  few  of 
them  being  more  than  twenty-five  years  of  age. 


18  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES: 


PART    SECOND  : 
3ft»om  &ifce;f$  Island  to 


THE  quarters  in  the  neatly  constructed  barracks 
were  such  as  the  most  fastidious  could  not  com 
plain  of,  and  the  "Ninth"  cheerfully  took  posses 
sion  of  them;  and  the  commodious  arrangements 
that  had  been  effected  in  all  the  departments  were 
greeted  with  approbation. 

The  plan  of  the  buildings  was  in  the  form  of  a 
parallelogram,  the  avenue  within  answering  as  streets 
for  the  various  companies,  for  the  use  of  roll-call, 
company  inspection,  etc.  The  ordnance  department 
and  the  hospital  closed  one  end  of  the  square,  the 
other  being  left  open  for  the  free  exit  and  ingress  of 
the  troops  to  and  from  the  parade  and  drill  -ground. 
The  guard-room,  mess-room,  and  officers'  quarters 
were  opposite  the  quarters  of  the  men.  The  field 
and  staff  were  outside  the  square.  The  entire  ar 
rangements  were  planned  and  laid  out  by  Colonel 
Hawkins,  and  great  credit  is-  due  to  the  skillful  man 
agement  by  which  they  were  accomplished. 

The  culinary  department  was  superintended  by  Mr. 
"W.  B.  Davis,  who  was  one  of  the  contractors  for  sup 
plying  the  regiment  with  rations. 

A  most  riu;id  observance  of  a  soldier's  duties  was 


THEIR   BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  19 

now  enforced ;  and  al though  they  were  found  to  be 
rather  burdensome  at  first,  yet  custom  gradually  mod 
ified  their  severity,  and  the  result  of  a  few  weeks' 
discipline  was  truly  surprising. 

One  evening,  when  Major  Kimball  happened  to  be 
in  New- York,  the  very  interesting  ceremony  of  pre 
senting  him  with  a  sword  took  place.  It  was  given 
by  the  news-agents  of  the  city,  with  whom  Major 
Kimball  had  been  associated  a  great  many  years. 
His  faithfulness  to  his  friends,  and  his  free  exhibition 
of  patriotism,  drew  from  them  this  token  of  their 
esteem.  When  the  sword  was  handed  to  him,  he 
scrutinized  it  in  a  manner  that  fully  attested  his 
gratefulness  for  the  appropriate  gift.  He  replied  in  a 
soldier-like  speech. 

The  members  of  the  regiment,  now  having  some 
idea  of  the  discipline  required  of  the  soldier,  and  the 
manner  of  its  performance,  began  to  exhibit  some 
anxiety  to  be  placed  in  a  situation  where  the  labor 
they  had  undergone  to  acquire  it  might  not  be  lost, 
but  would  be  serviceable  to  the  cause  they  left  their 
homes  to  aid.  Although  the  Colonel  laboriously  ex 
erted  himself  to  secure  for  them  an  early  transport 
ation  to  the  seat  of  war,  yet  that  fact  did  not  console 
them,  and  they  were  still  clamorous  to  be  off.  The 
Fifth  New- York  Volunteers,  from  Fort  Sclmyler, 
passed  the  island,  on  their  way  to  Fortress  Monroe, 
and  the  six-pounder  of  Camp  Hawkins  was  wheeled 
out  to  give  them  a  parting  salute,  in  connection  with 
the  stentorian  cheers  the  regiment  were  sending  out 
for  the  same  purpose.  This  incident  only  augmented 
the  desire  they  had  cherished  to  depart  in  the  same 


20  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

direction;  and  shortly  after,  the  uproar  became  so 
great  upon  an  occasion  when  Colonel  Hawkins  had 
just  returned  from  the  city,  that  he  was  obliged  to 
resort  to  a  speech  to  pacify  them'.  The  enthusiasm 
they  exhibited  fully  betokened  the  earnestness  of 
their  appeals  to  be  brought  in  contact  with  the  malig 
nant  foes  of  the  government.  The  Colonel  frankly 
told  them  of  the  situation  of  affairs,  and  stated  what 
they  might  expect,  urging  upon  them  an  exercise  of 
that  patience  necessary  to  a  full  enjoyment  of  the 
realization  that  would  eventually  ensue.  He  ex 
pounded  the  difficulties  attendant  upon  so  gigantic  a 
preparation  for  war  among  a  people  like  ours,  and 
besought  them  rather  to  assist  in  the  struggle  by  a 
faithful  reliance  upon  the  integrity  of  the  authorities 
to  discharge  their  arduous  and  troublesome  duties, 
than  to  hinder  or  annoy  them  by  any  untimely  de 
monstrations  of  dissatisfaction.  He  knew  the  delay 
was  tedious,  but  said  they  would  lose  nothing  in  be 
coming  well  drilled  and  expert  in  jumping  fences;* 
and  he  would  assure  them  that  they  should  depart  in 
a  few  days,  so  that  the  next  fence  they  jumped  would 
be  that  one  intervening  between  them  and  the  enemy. 
The  closing  remark  was  received  with  prolonged 
cheers,  and  the  next  moment  the  Colonel  might  be 
seen  borne  high  on  the  shoulders  of  the  crowd  to  his 
own  quarters. 

A  new  uniform  of  Zouave  dress  had  been  issued  to 

*  They  had  been  drilled  in  marching  over  the  stone  walls.  They 
would  advance  to  the  wall  in  line,  quickly  spring  over  to  the  other  side, 
and  having  hastily  formed  in  line  again,  would  march  on  as  though  no 
impediment  could  hinder  them. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  21 

the  regiment,  and  passes  were  now  granted  to  a  cer 
tain  number  of  men  each  day,  that  they  might  have 
the  opportunity  of  taking  a  final  leave  of  their  fam 
ilies,  their  homes,  and  the  social  circle. 

Inoculation  had  been  performed  throughout  the 
entire  regiment  by  Surgeon  Humphreys  and  Assist 
ant  Surgeon  "White,  and  its  sanitary  condition  was 
most  satisfactory. 

The  regiment  now  being  in  an  excellent  condition, 
and  fully  armed  and  equipped,  it  became  necessary  to 
inspect  and  review  it.  Accordingly  General  Dix, 
within  whose  department  the  Zouaves  had  been  as 
signed,  ordered  a  parade  for  that  purpose  on  the  first 
day  of  June.  After  a  severe  battalion  drill,  the  men 
were  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle,  and  about  three 
o'clock  the  General,  accompanied  by  Colonel  Keys,  of 
the  United  States  Army,  arrived  upon  the  ground. 
It  was  well  understood  that  the  occasion  would  be 
an  interesting  one,  and  therefore  quite  an  assemblage, 
composed  of  the  friends  of  the  regiment,  had  gathered 
themselves  to  witness  it.  There  was  a  plentiful 
number  of  ladies  present,  who,  in  gay  attire,  dotted 
the  parade  in  groups,  like  clusters  of  flowers  in  the 
midst  of  more  hardy  plants.  The  drum  and  bugle- 
corps  were  on  the  ground,  and  proved  themselves 
quite  a  novelty  to  the  visitors.  After  the  dress-parade, 
the  regiment  was  minutely  inspected  by  General  Dix, 
who  could  not  refrain  from  expressing  his  admiration, 
as  each  step  up  and  down  the  line  called  for  some 
new  mark  of  praise.  He  was  greatly  satisfied  with 
the  completeness  of  every  thing,  and  so  expressed 
himself  to  the  commandant  of  the  "Ninth."  After 

9* 


22  THE   HAWKIXS   ZOUAVES  : 

the  inspection  the  regiment  passed  in  review,  and  the 
General  was  greatly  astonished  at  the  degree  of  per 
fection  they  had  attained  in  marching  in  so  brief  a 
time.  But  it  is  not  so  surprising  if  we  consider  that 
the  Zonaves  were  drilled  seven  hours  each  day.  After 
they  were  dismissed,  he  said  he  liked  the  appearance 
of  the  men  both  off  and  on  drill,  whether  in  full 
dress  or  in  fatigue  about  their  work.  Their  faces 
were  'a  study;  and  he  was  really  proud  that  such  a 
noble  set  of  men  had  been  assigned  to  his  command. 
As  a  General,  he  would  not  be  unmindful  of  the  treat 
ment  they  merited.  He  felt  certain  they  would  some 
'day  distinguish  themselves. 

The  following  order  was  issued  by  Colonel  Hawkins, 
in  anticipation  of  leaving  for  the  seat  of  war : 

HEADQUARTERS  NINTH  N.  Y.  V., 

CAMP  HAWKINS,  June  1,  1801. 

The  friends  of  the  Ninth  New- York  Volunteers  will  be  per 
mitted  to  visit  Hiker's  Island  on  Sunday.  Steamer  Thomas 
Hunt  leaves  Peck  Slip  at  1  o'clock  P.M.  No  other  boat  will  be 
allowed  to  land  passengers. 

By  order  RUSH  C.  HAWKINS, 

Colonel  Commanding. 

The  Colonel  also  ordered  a  long-roll  to  be  beaten 
in  the  small  hours  of  Sunday,  in  order  to  test  the 
ability  of  the  regiment  to  turn  out  hastily  under  arms, 
fully  equipped.  It  was  only  another  manner  of  show 
ing  the  proficiency  the  Zouaves  had  attained.  Four 
guns  were  fired  by  the  guard,  and  immediately  after 
the  drums  and  fifes  sounded  the  alarm.  Almost  in 
an  instant  every  captain  had  his  company  out,  guard 


THEIR  BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  23 

was  posted,  and  every  preparation  made  for  repelling 
the  sham  attack.  The  time  occupied  for  all  was  a 
moment  less  than  nine  minutes. 

An  enterprising  German,  however,  had,  by  some 
unaccountable  means,  ascertained  that  such  an  order 
would  be  issued ;  and  anticipating  the  time  somewhat, 
he  slung  his  knapsack,  shouldered  his  musket,  and 
repaired  to  the  drummers'  quarters,  and  beating  the 
door  with  his  musket,  shouted,  "Beat  ter  long-roll,  I 
ish  oil  ready  ! " 

On  Sunday  afternoon  two  sets  of  colors  were  pre 
sented  to  Companies  A,  C,  D,  and  G,  by  some  ladies 
of  Hoboken,  New-Jersey.  The  presentation  took 
place  on  the  parade-ground  in  the  midst  of  an  inter 
ested  assemblage,  for  a  gr^at  number  of  visitors  had 
availed  themselves  of  the  opportunity  presented  by 
the  order  of  Colonel  Hawkins.  The  flags  displayed 
considerable  taste  in  their  execution,  and  were  well 
worthy  the  delicate  hands  that  worked  them. 

The  Zouaves  had  added  some  interest  to  the  day  by 
decorating  their  barracks  and  company  streets  with 
patriotic  devices  in  evergreens,  and  gay  festoons  in 
red,  white,  and  blue.  Eacli  company  had  its  own  at 
tractive  novelty.  The  ladies  were  unsparing  in  their 
admiration,  notwithstanding  their  anticipations  were 
greatly  disappointed  that  a  soldier  should  have  any 
taste  whatever ;  and  it  is  supposed  that  many,  after 
returning  home,  consoled  themselves  with  the  thought 
that  still  a  spark  of  humanity  lingered  in  the  breast 
of  the  savage. 

The  mess-room  was  an  object  of  particular  interest. 
When  strangers  are  thrown  in  society  quite  foreign  to 


24  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

them,  there  is  nothing  of  which  they  are  half  so  ob 
serving  as  of  the  manners  of  epic  pastime.  The  ladies 
were  anxious  to  see  how  the  soldiers  would  eat. 
'When  dinner-call  was  sounded,  the  alacrity  with 
which  the  knife,  fork,  cup,  and  plate  were  seized  was 
suggestive  to  the  observer  of  the  supple  nature  of  the 
Zouaves  in  a  moment  of  emergency. 

During  the  afternoon,  Major  Kimball  was  waited 
upon  at  his  quarters  by  a  few  friends  from  the  New- 
York  Custom-House,  who  presented  him  with  a  beau 
tiful  pair  of  epaulettes,  the  gift  of  the  weighers  of 
that  establishment.  They  were  a  handsome  present, 
and  the  Major  evinced  his  appreciation  of  them  in 
many  ways. 

Preparations  for  departure  from  the  island  were 
made  on  Monday.  The  arrangements  had  been  so 
perfected  that  a  transfer  of  the  regiment,  with  its 
entire  luggage  and  stores,  might  take  place  imme 
diately  upon  the  arrival  of  the  steamer.  It  was  ex 
pected  at  ten  o'clock,  and  they  only  awaited  the  order 
to  inarch  aboard.  But  they  were  doomed  to  disap 
pointment  then,  as  they  have  been  since  upon  many 
occasions  of  a  similar  nature.  No  transportation  ar 
rived  that  day,  and  they  were  obliged  to  wait  until 
the  Wednesday  following. 

After  the  postponement  of  their  departure,  Colonel 
Hawkins  issued  an  order  to  those  who  had  been  grant 
ed  passes,  but  who  were  yet  in  the  city. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  25 

("  Special  Order  ) 

(_        No.  12.        )  CAMP  HAWKINS,  HIKER'S  ISLAND, 

June  4,  1861. 

All  absentees  of  the  Ninth  New- York  Volunteers  are  hereby 
ordered  to  report  themselves  on  board  the  steamer  Marion,  at 
Pier  No.  4=  North  Kiver,  on  Wednesday,  the  5th  inst.,  at  12  M., 
for  the  purpose  of  sailing  for  Fortress  Monroe. 

By  order  RUSH  C.  HAWKINS, 

Colonel  Commanding. 


At  the  appointed  time  the  men  were  marched 
aboard  the  steamer,  which  started  down  the  East 
River  with  them. 

It  was  fine  weather,  and  all  the  circumstances 
seemed  propitiously  united  for  the  occasion.  Every 
thing  seemed  suggestive  of  complete  success ;  and  the 
accounts  already  given  leave  no  room  to  doubt  that 
the  prognostications  were  fully  verified.  Their  pas 
sage  down  the  river  was  marked  by  the  occasional 
salute  of  a  gun,  and  the  more  frequent  cheers  of  in 
dividuals  who  had  congregated  in  noisy  crowds  upon 
either  side,  and  the  flaunting  of  gay  banners,  gaudy 
handkerchiefs,  and  various  other  signs  of  enthusiasm 
and  good- will. 

"When  arrived  at  the  foot  of  Thirtieth  street,  the 
Zouaves  were  formed  in  parade  line,  after  consider 
able  delay  in  contending  with  the  great  mass  of  peo 
ple  there  congregated  for  sufficient  ground  to  estab 
lish  an  alignment.  They  were  soon  under  headway, 
marching  up  Thirty-fourth  street  to  Fifth  avenue, 
down  which  they  turned,  and  soon  reaching  the  res 
idence  of  Mr.  A.  "W.  Griswold,  they  were  halted  for 
the  purpose  of  receiving  a  handsome  flag  from  the 


26  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

hands  of  Mrs.  Griswold.  The  regiment  was  carefully 
drawn  up  in  line,  the  centre  opposite  the  dwelling. 
The  Rev.  Gardiner  Spring  approached  Colonel  Haw 
kins,  and  after  presenting  the  colors,  delivered  an  ad 
dress,  which  we  give  below  : 

COLONEL  HAWKINS,  OFFICERS  AND  SOLDIERS  OF  THE  NINTH  REGI 
MENT  NEW- YORK  VOLUNTEERS  : 

I  have  been  requested  by  Mrs.  Griswold,  now  here,  to  present 
to  you  this  splendid  emblem  of  our  nationality,  and  I  desire  to  do 
this  with  a  few  introductory  remarks.  I,  who,  for  over  fifty  years, 
have  been  enlisted  under  the  banner  of  the  Prince  of  Peace,  find 
myself  exactly  in  such  a  novel  position  as  yourselves,  who  have 
enlisted  in  the  noble  cause  of  defending  your  country  against 
a  band  of  outlaws,  who,  defying  all  law  of  righteousness,  are 
striving  to  overthrow  this,  the  happiest  government  on  earth. 
Secession  dates  as  far  back  as  the  days  when  the  ten  tribes  of 
Israel  were  lost,  and  even  further,  for  the  devil  himself  was  a 
secessionist.  I  look  upon  this  vile  controversy  as  the  most  wick 
ed  ever  got  up  by  man.  I  give  you  my  blessing.  The  blessings 
and  prayers  of  the  whole  civilized  world  are  with  you.  I  pledge 
myself  that  the  prayers  and  blessings  of  the  Brick  Church  shall 
not  be  wanting.  May  the  God  of  battles  be  with  you,  and  in 
the  hour  of  danger  hover  over  you.  Accompanying  this  flag  is 
a  letter  from  Mrs.  Griswold,  which  I  will  now  read  for  you,  as 
follows  : 

No.  381  FIFTH  AVENUE,  June  5,  1801. 
COLONEL    HAWKINS,    COMMANDANT    OF    THE    NINTH     REGIMENT 

NEW-  YORK  VOLUNTEERS. 

COLONEL  :  I  have  the  honor  to  present  to  you  for  your  gallant 
regiment  of  Zouaves  these  colors.  The  Union  of  which  this 
flag  is  the  emblem  was  established  by  our  fathers.  Its  cost  was 
the  price  of  blood.  To  their  children  they  have  confided  the 
trust  of  guarding  and  upholding  it.  What  obligation  can  be 
more  sacredly  binding  upon  them  ?  For  more  than  three  fourths 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  27 

of  a  century  this  ensign  has  commanded  the  respect  of  every 
people,  on  land  and  sea,  wherever  civilization  is  known,  even 
penetrating  the  dark  corners  of  the  earth,  carrying  light  and  free 
dom  with  it.  While  thirty  millions  of  people  under  its  folds 
were  enjoying  life,  liberty,  and  happiness  as  no  other  people  ever 
did,  foul  traitors  have  raised  their  fratricidal  hands  against  it.  The 
Government  has  called  upon  its  loyal  citizens  to  come  to  its  de 
fense.  The  alacrity  and  zeal  with  which  you  and  others  have 
responded  to  that  call  awaken  in  our  hearts  the  liveliest  emo 
tions  and  gratitude.  It  is  beyond  our  province  to  follow  this 
standard  to  the  battle-field ;  but  we  can  and  will  follow  with  our 
prayers  and  blessings  those  who  bear  it,  imploring  Him  who 
holds  in  his  hands  the  destiny  of  nations  •  to  protect  and  pre 
serve  those  who  stand  by  their  country's  flag  in  its  hour  of 
peril ;  and  that  he  will  speedily  restore  reason  and  loyalty  to 
that  rash  and  misguided  people  who  have  assailed  it.  Accept, 
for  yourself  and  officers,  and  your  noble  regiment  of  Zouaves 
my  kind  wishes.  MARY  ADELAIDE  GRISWOLD. 

Colonel  Hawkins,  in  a  voice  slightly  touched  with 
emotion,  thanked  Mrs.  Griswold  for  the  present.  It 
was  an  elegant  one  ;  and  as  far  as  he  was  concerned, 
he  promised  never  to  surrender  the  banner  except 
with  his  life.  For  his  men  he  hazarded  little  in  mak 
ing  a  similar  promise.  He  intended  that  the  Stars 
and  Stripes  presented  him  on  this  beautiful  day 
should  come  out  of  the  clouds  and  storms  of  war 
without  a  disreputable  blemish. 

The  flag  was  then  handed  to  the  color-bearer,  and 
exhibited  to  the  soldiers.  The  wrhole  design  was  ex 
ecuted  with  considerable  taste,  and  proved  to  be  quite 
a  costly  affair.  On  the  lance  wdiich  surmounted  the 
staff  was  a  square  plate  of  silver,  upon  which  was 
neatly  engraved  the  following  inscription : 


28  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 


PRESENTED 


M.RS,     ALMA    W.    GF^ISWOLD 

TO   THE 

NINTH  REGIMENT  NEW-YORK  VOLUNTEERS, 

JUNE    STH,  1861. 

Lexington.,    April    19th,   ITVG. 
Baltimore,     April    19th,   1861. 

MEMORIA     IX    STERNA. 

After  the  conclusion  of  the  ceremony,  the  regiment 
was  marched  down  the  avenue.  When  arrived  oppo 
site  the  dwelling  of  Mrs.  William  B.  Moffat,  they  were 
faced  to  it,  where  another  standard  awaited  them. 
Colonel  Hawkins  was  received,  in  a  cordial  manner  by 
the  Eev.  Dr.  Wiley,  of  Christ  Church.  He  made  the 
presentation  on  behalf  of  the  fair  donor,  and  he  spoke 
in  a  deep,  impressive  manner,  calculated  to  touch  the 
heart  of  every  man  within  hearing. 

In  reply,  Colonel  Hawkins  made  a  polished  and 
patriotic  speech.  He  repeated  his  determination 
never  to  surrender  the  flag  except  with  his  life's 
blood  ;  and  the  entire  regiment  was  again  pledged  to 
stand  by  it  at  any  cost,  and  to  bring  it  back  unsullied 
by  any  taint  of  dishonor. 

The  regimental  banner  was  given  to  the  color- 
guard,  and  all  who  were  sufficiently  near  scrutinized 
it  closely.  It  was  an  elegant  specimen  of  taste  and 
material,  being  made  of  double  silk,  and  six  by  eight 
feet  in  dimensions.  Upon  the  centre  field  wras  the  in 
scription  : 

NINTH    REGIMENT   NEW-YORK  VOLUNTEERS. 

TOUJOURS    PKET. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  29 

The  presentation  being  over,  the  "  Ninth "  was 
again  put  into  column,  and  now  proceeded  down 
Fifth  avenue  to  Broadway,  Colonel  Hawkins  wishing 
to  do  so  with  as  much  dispatch  as  possible,  for  the 
purpose  of  not  only  embarking  at  the  time  desig 
nated,  but  to  avoid  the  bad  effect  of  keeping  the 
public  assembled  on  the  avenues  of  the  line  of  march 
many  hours  beyond  the  time  of  their  expected  arrival. 
They  were  loudly  cheered  all  along  the  route,  but 
more  especially  when  opposite  the  principal  hotels,, 
where  the  denser  crowds  had  collected ;  while  at 
nearly  every  corner,  from.  Union  Square  to  the  Bat 
tery,  they  received  some  unmistakable  demonstrations 
of  the  favor  in  which  they  were  held. 

The  bugle  and  drum-corps  seemed  to  attract  con 
siderable  attention :  when  opposite  Delmonico's,  the 
buglers  blasted  fiercely  the  quick  inarching  time,  and 
the  shrill  notes  reached  far  and  wide  down  the  side 
streets  and  alleys,  and  penetrating  into  the  recesses  of 
the  counting-rooms,  and  the  far  extremities  of  the 
underground  saloons,  brought  forth  many  who,  at 
that  moment,  would  not  have  known  the  Zouaves 
were  coming. 

The  march  of  the  "Ninth"  down  Broadway  was 
one  of  the  grandest  ovations  of  the  kind  ever  wit 
nessed  in  the  metropolis.  Notwithstanding  the  peo 
ple  had  once  been  disappointed  in  a  rain-storm,  they 
rallied  again  and  turned  out  in  such  numbers  as  the 
favorable  aspect  of  the  weather  seemed  to  invite. 

We  can  not  avoid  saying,  that  the  martial  spirit 
the  Zouaves  exhibited,  the  firmness  and  uniformity  of 
step,  compactness  of  line,  and  the  frequent  changing 
of  the  manual  were  soldierly  in  the  extreme. 


30  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

Tlie  most  reliable  authority,  and  that  which  is  best 
able  to  judge,  has  conceded,  that  in  perfection  of  drill 
the  regiment  was  then  without  a  rival. 

When  they  had  arrived  at  Pier  Number  Four,  where 
they  were  to  embark,  such  living  masses  of  people  had 
collected  there,  that  the  bayonet  alone  could  force  a 
passage  through  which  the  Zouaves  might  enter  the 
inclosure.  Upon  the  rear  of  the  regiment  the  crowd 
pressed  so  closely  that  it  was  impossible  to  shut  the 
gates  for  a  while  ;  and  this  was  only  finally  effected 
by  the  use  of  such  threats  from  Major  Kimball,  as, 
if  executed,  would  certainly  have  placed  the  Zouaves 
in  their  first  bloody  engagement,  to  say  nothing  of 
the  considerable  augmentation  of  the  mortality  report 
of  the  city. 

The  steamship  Marion,  ordered  for  the  reception 
of  the  regiment,  lay  alongside  the  wharf,  and  as  the 
preliminaries  of  going  aboard  were  not  fully  arranged, 
the  men  were  allowed  to  rest.  When  the  order  to 
"  break  ranks  "  was  given,  many  rushed  to  the  gates, 
as  if  to  embrace  the  crowd,  of  whom  many  thought 
they  might  take  a  leave  that  would  be  final.  Gate- 
bars  could  not  separate  them ;  walls  of  intervention 
only  made  them  mount  the  higher.  Friendly  hands 
were  thrust  through  the  gate,  and  words  were  inter 
changed  for  the  last  time  upon  earth.  Fingers  that 
wiped  away  the  tears,  were  the  next  moment  put  for 
ward  with  oranges  or  "  creature  comforts."  Handker 
chiefs,  moistened  with  the  dew  of  anticipated  bereave 
ment,  bore  their  burdens  of  parting  tokens  to  the 
"  dear  ones." 

"  God  bless  you  !"  said  a  friend  to  a  sergeant.    The 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  31 

latter  murmured  a  parting,  and  then  turned  away, 
lest  he  should  be  guilty  of  the  unsoldierly  conduct  of 
taking  out  a  'kerchief. 

Among  numerous  others  a  young  lieutenant  was 
observed  as  particularly  aifected.  Friends  crowded 
up  to  get  in  a  last  word,  but  every  sweet  blessing 
seemed  to  touch  him  like  gall.  He  burst  away  from 
prolonged  grief  with  the  remark  that  he  must  be  near 
his  command.  The  next  moment  he  was  seen  lean 
ing  against  a  pile  with  his  head  down,  and  appeared 
to  be  getting  the  dust  out  of  his  eyes. 

But  the  melancholy  of  parting  only  existed  in  brief 
moments  between  the  various  excitements  that  pre 
vailed.  The  regiment  was  ordered  on  board,  and 
each  company  proceeded  to  the  quarters  that  had 
been  set  apart  for  its  occupation.  The  hawsers  were 
cast  loose,  and  the  Marion  moved  slowly  out  into  the 
stream.  When  a  short  distance  from  the  wharf,  Colo 
nel  Hawkins  was  lowered  in  a  small  boat  and  rowed 
to  the  dock.  His  object  in  going  ashore  was  to  secure 
the  services  of  another  vessel ;  the  one  appropriated 
could  accommodate  only  half  of  the  regiment. 

In  the  mean  time  the  Marion  proceeded  slowly 
down  into  the  harbor,  the  Zouaves  on  deck  waving 
their  handkerchiefs  in  reply  to  the  numerous  white 
signals  that  fluttered  on  the  docks. 

The  first  man  who  lost  his  life  in  the  regiment  was 
James  Warren,  of  Company  I,  from  Connecticut. 
He  accidentally  fell  overboard  while  the  steamer  was 
under  way,  and  all  effort  to  save  him  proved  unavail 
ing.  But  an  hour  before  a  friendly  voice  had  bid 
him  a  cheerful  "  God  speed  and  safe  return."  Some 


32  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES  : 

time  after,  Chaplain  Conway  collected  a  considerable 
sum  of  money  through  the  liberality  of  the  regiment, 
and  forwarded  it,  with  the  earnest  sympathies  of 
every  man,  to  his  disconsolate  widow.  Many  a  sor 
rowful  cheek  was  laid  upon  the  knapsack  that  night. 
The  George  Peabody  arrived  alongside,  and  five 
companies  were  transferred  to  it.  Early  in  the  morn 
ing  of  the  following  day,  anchor  was  weighed,  and  the 
steamers  started,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  8th  ar 
rived  at  Fortress  Monroe.  The  Colonel  reported  to 
the  Commanding  General,  and  not  long  after  they 
were  under  way  again,  and  in  about  an  hour  landed 
at  the  wharf,  having  reached  the  destination  they  set 
out  for — Newports  News.  They  found  the  forces 
there,  consisting  chiefly  of  three  months  men,  dili 
gently  employed  in  building  the  intrenchments  that 
afterward  so  frightened  the  rebel  General  Magruder. 
The  "Ninth"  was  marched  out  through  the  incomplete 
sally-port,  and  stacked  arms  in  advance  of  the  other 
regiments.  Upon  breaking  ranks  the  first  thing 
sought  after  was  the  "  Old  Virginia  hoe-cake,"  which 
they  procured  easily  enough  with  the  glittering  pieces 
of  silver  that  quite  captivated  the  negroes. 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  33 


THIRD  : 
to 


AFATIGUE-PAETY  brought  up  the  tents,  and 
camp  was  pitched  immediately  in  conformity 
with  the  prescribed  regulations.  When  the  labor  was 
completed  the  men  naturally  allowed  their  reflections 
to  take  up  the  matter  of  diet.  They  concluded  they 
were  hungry,  and  that  there  was  little  or  nothing  to 
eat  within  their  reach.  The  case  was  obscure,  and  they 
immediately  saw  the  necessity  of  clearing  it  up  without 
loss  of  time.  Delay  might  prove  fatal  at  supper-hour. 
At  length  provision  arrived  —  about  twenty  pounds  of 
fat  pork,  beside  hard-tack,  for  each  company  ;  twenty 
pounds  for  seventy  men  !  They  never  before  learned 
division  011  so  small  a  scale.  But  the  pork  was  just 
what  was  needed:  the  digestive  organs  were  rusty 
and  required  greasing  :  there  was  an  overbalance  of 
electricity  that  had  accumulated  during  inactivity, 
and  fat  absorbs  a  great  deal.  But  the  deficiency  was 
more  apparent  after  it  had  disappeared  than  before, 
and  unsatisfied  parties  began  to  cast  about  for  more 
abundant  supplies.  Not  long  after,  successful  squads 
of  Zouaves  might  be  seen  coming  in  from  all  direc 
tions,  bearing  with  them  their  trophies  of  sheep, 
geese,  ducks,  and  hens. 


34:  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

The  Yermonters  circulated  the  most  hideous  re 
ports  of  the  danger  the  "Ninth"  was  in,  by  pitch 
ing  camp  so  near  the  wood.  The  rebels  would  come 
in  at  night  and  slaughter  them  all  in  their  tents ;  they 
were  expecting  an  attack  every  minute ;  numbers 
were  shot  on  picket  already.  But  the  Zouaves  slept 
soundly  that  night,  and  upon  awaking  in  the  morn 
ing  they  perceived  that  the  sun  arose  in  its  usual 
place,  though  there  was  a  rebellion  in  the  land,  and 
men  were  shot  on  guard. 

On  Sunday,  the  9th  of  June,  a  most  beautiful  sum 
mer's  day,  the  regiment  struck  tents  and  removed 
camp  west  of  the  breastworks  and  on  a  line  with  them 
— a  position  that  had  its  rear  protected  by  a  steep  and 
wooded  hill,  at  the  bottom  of  which  was  a  swamp 
directly  on  the  bank  of  the  James  River.  At  night 
there  was  a  "long-roll,"  after  which  the  Zouaves  slept 
on  their  arms  until  morning. 

The  next  day  was  extremely  hot  and  sultry,  and 
one  most  memorable  in  the  annals  of  the  rebellion ; 
for,  aside  from  the  fact  that  upon  it  was  fought  the 
first  battle  after  the  opening  of  the  war,  it  was  one  of 
most  disastrous  defeat  to  the  Union  arms.  Not  that 
the  Federals  lost  a  great  deal,  but  that  the  rebels 
gained  so  much. 

Colonel  Hawkins  received  orders  to  take  a  detach 
ment  of  his  regiment  and  proceed  to  Little  Bethel, 
to  render  what  support  was  possible  to  the  forces  that 
had  already  been  dispatched  to  that  place  for  the  pur 
pose  of  dislodging  the  enemy  and  destroying  his  for 
tifications.  He  received  instructions  to  make  his  way 
to  the  scene  of  conflict  as  soon  as  possible,  and  report 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MAECHES.  85 

to  General  Pierce,  the  officer  in  command ;  and  also 
to  convey  to  the  battle-field  ambulances  and  medical 
stores. 

In  accordance  with  the  orders,  Companies  A,  B, 
and  G  were  hastily  provided  with  rations  and  ammu 
nition,  and,  commanded  by  Colonel  Hawkins  in  per 
son,  started  out  on  the  road  toward  Bethel. 

The  march  there  was  a  quiet  one,  with  few  excep 
tions.  "While  halting  at  a  farm-house  beside  the  road 
to  rest  a  moment  and  fill  canteens  with  cool  water,  a 
member  of  the  regiment,  having  lost  the  cap  from  his 
piece,  supposed  the  powder  had  all  eked  out,  and 
wished  to  ascertain  if  it  required  reloading.  He  put 
a  fresh  cap  on  and  snapped  it,  and  to  his  astonish 
ment  the  musket  discharged  with  a  ringing  report. 
The  man  knew  his  error  in  a  moment,  and  attempted 
to  excuse  himself  to  the  Colonel,  who,  of  course,  gave 
him  a  deservedly  severe  reprimand  :  "  Is  it  possible  a 
sergeant  did  that?  You  scarcely  know  enough  to 
last  you  over  Sunday."  It  certainly  was  a  gross  error 
in  the  face  of  the  enemy  when  a  tolerable  caution 
was  enforced. 

The  regiment  fell  into  line  again,  and  awaited 
orders.  The  roads  were  very  dry  and  parched,  and 
clouds  of  dust  rose  from  them  and  hung  upon  the 
air ;  and  the  sun  pouring  down  his  rays  of  excessive 
heat,  imparted  a  feverish  throb  to  the  pulse.  The 
Zouaves  were  hurried  forward  with  unusual  haste,  for 
their  errand  was  an  important  one,  and  the  severity 
of  the  march  tested  well  their  qualifications  for  that 
line  of  duty. 

Some  time  before  reaching  the  battle-field  they  re- 


86  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

ceived  the  intelligence  that  the  Fourth  Massachusetts, 
First  Vermont,  and  the  First,  Third,  Fourth,  Fifth, 
and  Seventh  New- York  Volunteers  had  already  en 
gaged  the  rebels,  and  were  unable  to  dislodge  them 
from  their  strong  position  with  the  force  they  had. 
The  sad  misfortunes  attending  the  expedition  in  re 
gard  to  the  two  countersigns,  the  matter  of  the  Union 
troops  firing  into  each  other,  etc.,  are  well  understood. 
When  arriving  within  a  mile  or  so  of  the  scene  of 
action,  the  "Ninth"  met  the  First  regiment  return 
ing,  some  of  the  men  saying  there  was  little  use  of 
going  further,  as  the  enemy  was  in  a  formidable  place 
that  could  not  be  taken  without  plenty  of  artillery, 
and  they  had  only  four  pieces,  with  three  rounds  left 
to  each.  It  was  now  ascertained  that  the  Federal 
forces  were  retreating  from  Bethel.  Other  troops 
passed  by;  but  still  the  "Ninth"  continued  onward, 
and  soon  came  up  to  the  Fifth  New- York,  just  before 
the  latter  turned  off  on  the  Hampden  road.  Their 
meeting  was  a  touching  scene,  and  on  that  day  filled 
many  hearts  with  deep  emotion.  Not  only  did  some 
individuals  who  had  known  each  other  in  the  city, 
oifer  greeting  and  the  exchange  of  experience  that 
either  had  already  met  with,  but  all  upon  that  occa 
sion,  where  their  sympathies  were  so  united,  seemed  to 
stand  in  close  acquaintance  with  each  other.  Some 
of  the  Fifth  appeared  still  rife  with  the  enthusiasm 
with  which  they  set  out ;  while  others  were  apparently 
so  fatigued  and  worn  out  that  they  could  scarcely 
drag  themselves  along — as  differently  affected  by 
long  marching  and  a  severe  repulse  from  a  portion 
of  the  enemy's  works  they  had  captured,  but  were 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  87 

obliged  to  abandon,  for  the  same  reason  that  has 
caused  a  like  disaster  before  and  since,  and  will  again 
—want  of  proper  support  and  generalship. 

Moreover,  they  were  all  hungry  and  thirsty ;  and 
the  "Ninth"  generously  placed  the  contents  of  haver 
sack  and  canteen  at  their  disposal ;  and  very  thankful 
were  the  recipients  for  the  favor.  The  liberality  of 
Colonel  Hawkins's  men  was  not  a  little  enhanced  by 
the  fact  that  they  did  not  know  how  soon  they  should 
themselves  need  what  they  had  given  away. 

The  retreating  forces  were  in  a  deplorable  con 
dition,  and  it  seemed  as  though  they  had  endeavored 
to  make  themselves  look  as  service  worn  and  ridic 
ulous  as  possible. 

A  piece  of  artillery,  bearing  the  body  of  that  noble 
and  honored  martyr,  Lieutenant  Greble,  was  next  to 
follow  on  theretreatj  dragged  slowly  along  by  feeble 
men,  who  were  so  worn  and  weary  they  could  scarcely 
keep  hold  of  the  rope. 

The  "Ninth"  was  now  ordered  to  turn  about  and 
cover  the  rear  of  the  retreating  forces.  The  reason 
for  this  was  apparent ;  for  had  the  rebels  not  been  too 
much  occupied  in  conducting  their  own  retreat,  but 
had  sought  to  avail  themselves  of  the  advantages 
given  them  by  misconduct  on  the  part  of  the  Federals 
rather  than  taken  by  their  own  valor,  the  retreating 
regiments  must  have  suffered  materially  without  this 
strong  rear-guard.  A  rumor,  which  was  set  afloat 
and  propelled  rapidly  by  eager  patrons,  that  the 
troops  were  being  led  around  to  the  rear  to  surprise 
the  enemy,  contributed  much  to  raise  the  drooping 
3  - 


88  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

spirits  of  the  forces.  But  the  disposition  of  the  dif 
ferent  commands  soon  dispelled  the  error. 

Many  of  the  troops  were  straggling  through  the 
country,  and  the  duty  of  picking  them  up,  preventing 
them  from  destroying  private  property,  and  conduct 
ing  them  to  their  proper  camps,  was  assigned  to  the 
"  Ninth  ;"  and  they  at  once,  by  devious  circuits  round 
about,  touched  at  nearly  every  house,  the  Colonel  en 
tering  and  turning  out  the  marauders,  who  were 
obliged  to  march  in  front  or  along  with  the  Zouaves. 
They  were  also  found  along  the  roads  upon  either 
hand,  in  the  various  attitudes  of  comfortable  exhaus 
tion  ;  but  were  roused  up  every  one,  and  forced  along, 
some  needing  the  quickening  touch  of  the  bayonet 
to  sharpen  their  energies  before  they  would  move. 
These  men  being  generally  placed  in  front,  this  por 
tion  of  the  march  of  the  "Ninth"  was  made  but 
slowly. 

On  the  return,  the  balance  of  the  regiment  wns  met, 
which  fell  into  line.  When  not  far  from  camp,  and 
when  the  small  white  tents  could  be  seen  like  a  nock 
of  sheep  feeding  upon  the  hill,  Colonel  Hawkins, 
coming  up  by  the  side  of  Company  B,  said,  "  Boys, 
how  would  you  like  a  little  double-quick?"  Some 
did  not  take  this  as  any  thing  more  than  a  jest  at  first, 
but  upon  one  of  the  Zouaves  making  the  remark  that 
he  was  just  getting  supple  for  something  of  that  sort, 
the  Colonel  laughed,  gave  the  order,  and  soon  the 
"Ninth"  started  on,  tramp,  tramp,  tramp,  going  into 
camp  in  splendid  style,  though  they  were  all  so  dusty 
they  could  scarcely  recognize  each  other. 

While  in  line,   before    being   dismissed,   Colonel 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  39 

Hawkins  expressed  himself  greatly  pleased  with  the 
march  they  had  made.  He  had  ascertained  by  ac 
curate  reckoning  that  the  distance  passed  over  was 
twenty-four  (Virginia !)  miles,  and  the  time  employed 
was  six  hours. 

It  is  due  to  General  Butler  to  say  that  he  was  in 
no  way  blamable  for  the  failure  of  this  enterprise. 
Had  his  instructions  been  carried  out,  success  would 
have  crowned  the  undertaking. 

On  the  29th  of  June,  Captain  Graham  obtained 
permission  to  take  his  company  out  on  a  scouting  ex 
pedition.  The  men  were  very  anxious  to  gain  a  sight 
of  the  enemy,  whom  they  had  as  yet  scarcely  come 
in  contact  with,  and  as  it  was  known  that  frequently 
the  rebels,  in  small  marauding  bands,  prowled  about 
the  country  approximate  to  the  Union  lines,  the  com 
pany  pushed  forward  with  the  determination  of  mak 
ing  a  closer  acquaintance  with  some  of  them ;  though 
.with  that  caution  properly  belonging  to  the  soldier, 
they  were  not,  wre  presume,  over  desirous  of  meeting 
with  a  party  of  superior  numbers. 

They  threw  out  an  advanced-guard,  and  after  pro 
ceeding  in  a  tortuous  manner,  not  a  great  way  from 
the  outer  picket-line  they  perceived  distinct  traces  of 
the  enemy's  having  approached  not  long  since  by  the 
way  they  were  going.  Evidences  were  seen  in  sev 
eral  places  that  the  rebels  must  have  been  in  consid- 
erable  force ;  and  Company  A,  not  being  too  eager  to 
throw  themselves  upon  a  force  greater  than  them 
selves,  took  all  the  precaution  the  nature  of  the 
ground  permitted,  or  the  business  of  the  day  suggest 
ed.  They  had  gone  some  distance  on  the  road  beyond 


40  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

Baker  Lee's,  when  they  ascertained  that  the  Louis 
iana  "Wild-Cats"  were  not  far  off;  that  they  had 
approached  the  picket  of  Newports  News,  but  were 
now  retiring  in  haste,  for  some  reason  best  known  to 
themselves.  Company  A  soon  after  saw  large  num 
bers  of  them,  but  both  parties  were  shy.  The  rear 
guard,  however,  succeeded  in  capturing  two  of  the 
"Wild-Cats,"  who  were  taken  to  camp,  and  subse 
quently  confined  at  Fortress  Monroe.  Captain  Gra 
ham,  not  being  successful  in  finding  a  force  with 
which  he  might  reasonably  offer  combat,  returned 
again  to  Camp  Butler. 

The  Fourth  of  July  was  a  dull  day  in  camp.  But 
Colonel  Hawkins  sent  out  a  detachment  of  twenty- 
five  men  from  Company  F,  under  command  of  Cap 
tain  Hammill,  for  the  purpose  of  reconnoitering  some 
ground  supposed  to  be  infested  by  the  rebels.  They 
left  camp  at  night,  and  after  considerable  nocturnal 
perambulations,  found  themselves  near  daybreak  of 
the  morning  of  the  fifth  about  seven  miles  up  the 
James  Eiver.  They  here  encamped  for  the  object  of 
resting  and  breaking  their  fast,  intending  afterward 
to  proceed  to  the  enemy's  position  to  ascertain  his 
strength  and  intentions.  They  now  learned,  how 
ever,  that  they  were  nearer  the  object  of  their  search 
than  they  at  the  time  anticipated;  for  upon  again 
starting  forward,  they  came  upon  a  party  of  about 
seventy -five  rebels  not  more  than  a  hundred  yards 
distant,  coming  down  the  road,  dragging  with  them 
two  six-pounders.  Captain  Hammill  posted  his  men 
in  the  low  pine  shrub  upon  the  side  of  the  road, 
and  when  the  enemy  had  approached  sufficiently  near 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  41 

to  render  musketry  sure  and  effective,  the  Captain 
opened  a  deadly  fire ;  when  the  leader  of  the  rebels 
cried  out,  "  Washington  !  Washington  !  "  and  asked 
who  they  were.  A  member  of  Company  F  made 
some  hasty  reply,  when  the  enemy  took  to  the  woods, 
wheeling  about  their  guns  and  hauling  them  away  as 
if  afraid  of  their  capture.  The  Zouaves^ kept  up  a 
continual  fire  for  some  minutes,  until  they  learned 
that  a  party  of  cavalry  with  the  rebels  were  making 
a  circuit  to  cut  them  off.  They  then  retired  through 
a  portion  of  the  woods  too  intricate  for  the  maneuver 
of  cavalry.  The  enemy  were  re-forming  to  come  upon 
them  agaki,  when  Captain  Hammill  ordered  a  retreat, 
thinking  it  but  rashness  to  attempt  to  stand  against 
such  odds ;  for  he  could  not  the  second  time  have  the 
advantage  of  making  a  surprise,  by  which  lie  -had  un 
doubtedly  at  the  start  saved  his  entire  command  from 
capture  by  a  superior  force.  The  Captain  succeeded 
in  gaining  the  intelligence  that  the  rebels  had  lost 
in  the  engagement  Colonel  Dreux,  of  Louisiana,  a 
lieutenant  and  one  private  killed,  and  seven  others 
wounded.  Company  F  did  not  lose  a  man,  as  the 
enemy's  fire  was  very  slight  and  ill-directed,  in  conse 
quence  of  the  concealed  position  of  the  Zouaves  and 
his  own  confusion.  The  detachment  returned  to 
Camp  Butler  in  haste,  and  a  verbal  report  of  the 
affair  was  speedily  given  the  commandant  of  the  post. 
Colonel  Phelps  resolved  to  give  the  rebels  a  severe 
thrashing,  if  they  could  be  caught.  For  this  purpose 
he  selected  from  among  his  command  Lieut.-Colonel 
Betts,  writh  portions  of  some  companies  of  the 
Ninth,"  a  force  about  three  hundred  strong,  ac- 


.. 


42  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

companied  by  a  detachment  of  the  First  Vermont, 
which  immediately  started  out  in  pursuit  of  the  en 
emy,  anticipating  a  collision  with  him  near  the  spot 
where  the  skirmish  of  early  morning  occurred.  The 
command  hugged  the  bank  of  the  James  Eiver  for 
some  distance,  but  when  in  the  vicinity  of  the  rebel 
Captain  Jones's  dwelling,  struck  the  main  road. 
They  now  came  upon  the  ground  where  the  recent 
action  had  taken  place,  and  after  ascertaining  that 
the  enemy  had  wheeled  about  their  artillery  (the 
track  of  which  was  plainly  visible,  as  well  as  the 
bloody  indications  of  the  fight)  and  retreated,  taking 
the  killed  and  wounded  with  them,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Betts  urged  a  vigorous  pursuit,  in  the  hope  of  yet 
overtaking  them. 

They  had  proceeded  about  eight  miles,  when,  at  the 
fork  of  the  road  ahead  might  be  seen  the  rebel  vi- 
dettes.  Their  horses  were  ready  saddled  and  tied  to 
the  saplings  near.  The  men  occupied  a  small  hut 
commanding  a  view  of  three  roads.  When  they  saw 
the  long  column  of  dust  rising  from  the  force  ap 
proaching  them,  they  sprang  upon  their  horses  and 
rode  swiftly  in  retreat  toward  their  camp.  Lieut.- 
Colonel  Betts,  however,  was  determined  in  the  pur 
suit,  and  pushed  his  column  ahead.  Upon  arriving 
at  the  picket-hut,  an  examination  for  any  clue  to  the 
previous  skirmish  was  made  in  and  around  that  neigh 
borhood.  The  "  Ninth  "  wrote  "  Hawkins's  Zouaves  " 
upon  every  available  spot  with  broad  pieces  of  chalk, 
and  invited  the  rebel  reader  to  make  a  call  at  New- 
ports  News,  and  bring  Magruder  along.  Captain 
Barnett,  with  a  squad  from  his  company,  searched  a 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  43 

house,  but  failed  to  find  the  object  of  their  visit. 
The  column  again  started  forward,  until  arriving  at  a 
cool  and  shady  spot  where  the  road  descends,  and 
then  passes  through  a  small,  clear  brook,  making  an 
ascent  on  the  opposite  side.*  A  detachment  wras 
sent  forward,  which  in  a  short  time  returned,  stating 
that  they  had  come  upon  a  house  not  far  from  the 
hill  where  it  was  supposed  the  enemy  were  encamped 
in  force.  The  house  had  been  deserted  and  since  oc 
cupied  as  a  hospital.  They  found  considerable  ev 
idence  that  the  party  they  were  in  pursuit  of  had 
taken  their  wounded  there  for  attendance.  After 
some  further  reconnoissance,  Lieut. -Colonel  Betts  was 
convinced  that  it  would  be  folly  to  advance  further 
with  the  little  band  he  had,  and  therefore  turned  his 
troops  about  and  returned  to  Newports  News. 

Colonel  Phelps — since  Brigadier- General — whose 
name  has,  in  some  respects,  been  unfortunate  in  its 
association  with  the  grandest  and  most  humane  epi 
sode  that  ever  accompanied  any  war,  commanded  the 
post  of  Newports  News,  and  established  his  head 
quarters  upon  the  high  bank  of  the  James,  between 
the  battery  of  columbiads  and  the  landing,  and  from 
which  position  a  full  view  of  the  river  was  obtained 
of  all  the  points  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy.  If  a 
member  of  the  "Ninth"  was  asked  what  he  thought 
of  General  Phelps,  he  would  most  probably  reply 
after  this  sort:  "He  is  a  rigid  disciplinarian,  a  thor 
ough  military  scholar,  fearless  before  the  enemy, 


*  While  at  this  place  a  single  rifle-ball  came  from  the  enemy,  but 
did  no  harm,  passing  over  the  heads  of  the  men. 


44  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

prompt  and  vigilant,  with  a  manner  filled  with  dry, 
often  blunt,  humorous  sarcasm — a  queer  old  man,  but 
I  like  him"  He  always  endeavors  to  avoid  enter 
taining  too  much  confidence  in  very  young  people ; 
hence,  when  the  "Hawkins  Zouaves"  arrived  at  the 
place,  and  they  being  mostly  men  of  eighteen  and 
twenty-five  years,  he  attached  to  them  the  prejudiced 
appellation  of  "  the  school-boys."  He  was  not  long 
in  ascertaining  that  the  name  he  had  given  was  pre 
mature,  for  their  soldierly  conduct  soon  dispelled  any 
unfavorable  impressions  he  may  have  formed  of  them ; 
and  he  readily  retracted  what  had  been  uttered  in 
haste,  so  far  as  to  substitute  the  more  appropriate 
appellation  of  "  Little  Zouaves." 

He  was  quite  charmed  with  the  celerity  of  their 
movements  on  brigade  drill,  and  frequently  when  he 
wished  to  urge  improvements  among  the  other  regi 
ments,  he  would  point  out  the  "Little  Zouaves"  as 
examples  worthy  of  emulation.  While  it  was  evident 
to  all  that  his  admiration  for  them  was  daily  on  the 
increase,  no  one  could  attach  the  error  of  partiality 
to  him ;  for  did  any  breach  of  discipline  chance  to 
occur,  they  were  the  more  severely  censured,  on  the 
principle  that  the  occasional  faults  of  the  good  are 
more  glaring  and  tempting  to  rebuke  than  the  daily 
faults  of  the  bad.  And  though  it  has  been  said  that 
they  were  the  recipients  of  chastisement  when  they 
did  not  deserve  it,  it  may  also  be  remarked  that  it  is 
just  as  likely  they  may  have  escaped  the  same  when 
it  should  have  been  given. 

It  was  rumored  about  camp  that  Colonel  Phelps 
had  received  a  Brigadier  General's  commission,  and 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  45 

therefore  he  was  sometimes  called  "General"  by 
those  who  had  occasion  to  speak  to  him.  We  remem 
ber  one  day  a  soldier  went  to  his  quarters  to  get  his 
signature  to  a  "  pass,"  and  without  thought  gave  him 
a  title  of  higher  rank  than  lie  held.  As  he  was  sign 
ing  the  paper  he  said:  "They  call  me  'General,' 
but  I  don't  know  where  they  get  it  from.  I  haven't 
seen  the  documents  yet." 

The  brigade  hospital  was  approximate  to  the  Colo 
nel's  quarters,  and  one  day  a  patient,  while  indulging 
in  the  fresh  air  of  a  sunny  morning  opposite  the  head 
quarters,  thought  he  discovered,  in  a  speck  upon  the 
river  far  distant,  one  of  the  enemy's  gun-boats,  and 
with  a  vigilant  pride  immediately  conveyed  the  intel 
ligence  to  Colonel  Phelps,  who  came  out  of  his  room 
to  look  at  it.  To  the  chagrin  of  the  patient  he  did 
not  use  his  glass,  but  gave  a  careless  gaze  for  only  a 
moment.  "He  don't  seem  to  care  much  about  it 
after  my  hurrying  to  tell  him,"  thought  the  Zouave. 
The  commandant  turned  about  slowly,  and  in  his 
usual  way  asked  :  "  Did  you  come  out  of  the  hospi 
tal  ? "  "  Yes,  sir,"  with  a  confident  air.  "  I  thought 
so"  and  went  back  to  his  room.  It  then  occurred  to 
the  soldier  that  it  was  only  the  light-house  up  near 
Godwin's  Point. 

On  the  8th  of  July,  thirty  men  of  Company  A, 
under  the  charge  of  Captain  Graham,  while  on  a 
scouting  expedition,  again  met  the  enemy.  Marching 
rapidly  in  the  direction  of  Bethel,  and  just  before 
reaching  that  place,  they  came  suddenly  upon  a  rebel 
regiment,  which  had  established  a  temporary  camp  in 
that  vicinity.  The  enemy  flew  about,  beat  the  long- 


46  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES  : 

roll,  fell  into  line-of-battle,  and  as  Company  A  stood 
for  a  moment  looking  at  them,  they  performed  many 
other  warlike  demonstrations.  Had  they  remained 
quiet,  and  allowed  the  little  force  of  Union  troops  to 
advance  further  upon  them,  they  could  undoubted 
ly  have  sent  them  to  Richmond.  But  Captain  Gra 
ham  immediately  saw  how  near  lie  was  to  the  trap, 
and  called  upon  Horn,  the  bugler,  to  sound  the  "  rally 
on  the  reserve,"  which,  however,  lay  back  many  miles 
to  camp.  The  company  left  that  vicinity  on  the 
double-quick,  leaving  the  enemy  in  fearful  anticipa 
tion,  awaiting  the  shock  they  supposed  the  "reserve" 
would  soon  give  them. 

The  camp  of  the  "JSTinth"  now  presented  a  fine 
example  of  the  neatness  and  order  that  usually  pre 
vailed  throughout  the  regiment,  and  was  laid  out 
with  as  strict  adherence  to  the  "regulations"  as  the 
character  of  the  ground  would  permit.  Arbors  of 
pine  brush  were  erected  over  every  tent,  in  a  line  on 
the  company  street,  to  neutralize  the  torrid  effects  of 
the  burning  sun.  From  a  distance  the  whole  bore 
the  appearance  of  a  picturesque  grove.  But  a  close 
observation  revealed  the-  completeness  of  its  construc 
tion,  and  its  adaptation  to  the  comforts  which  the 
existing  improvements  were  designed  to  promote. 
"  Blind  ditches  "  were  dug  to  lead  off  the  superfluous 
water,  and  the  company  streets  were  nicely  graded,  so 
as  to  throw  the  contents  of  a  heavy  rain  into  the 
drain.  Most  of  the  tents  had  flooring,  and  the  arbors 
contained  stools,  benches,  and  tables,  made  by  the 
Zouaves,  rude  but  serviceable.  Books  and  domestic 
utensils  abounded,  which  were  taken  from  houses  in 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  47 

the  vicinity,  or  rather  saved  from  destruction,  and  of 
which  a  list  was  in  the  possession  of  the  post-com 
mandant.  An  order  was  afterward  issued  that  noth 
ing  of  the  kind  for  the  future  should  be  brought  into 
camp.  But  the  vigilance  of  the  guard  was  sometimes 
outwitted. 

In  the  latter  part  of  June,  Captain  Barnett  and  a 
squad  of  men  from  his  company  left  camp  on  a  for 
aging  expedition.  When  the  advance-guard  of  the 
party,  consisting  <  f  Jones  and  Eassiga,  had  arrived  at 
the  piece  of  wood  that  begins  at  the  road  turning  off 
to  Baker  Lee's,  they  suddenly  espied  a  horseman,  who 
was  in  the  act  of  issuing  from  the  wood  in  a  narrow 
and  crooked  by-path,  but  who,  upon  seeing  the  near 
approach  of  an  armed  foe,  hastily  wheeled  about  with 
the  intention  of  making  his  escape.  Seeing  Eassiga 
level  his  piece  at  him,  he  stopped  and  faced  him,  at 
the  same  time  crying  out:  "For  God's  sake  don't 
shoot  a  friend!"  Whereupon  Eassiga  lowered  his 
musket,  and  the  two  were  about  advancing  upon  the 
horseman,  when  he  drew  his  revolver,  fired  several 
shots  at  them,  and  wheeling  about  once  more  endeav 
ored  to  make  off.  He  was  fired  at,  and  though 
Jones  was  accounted  a  good  shot,  the  bullets  did  not 
take  perceptible  effect.  It  is  presumed  that  his  horse 
did  not  make  the  progress  through  the  dense  under 
brush  that  his  fears  deemed  requisite  for  the  occasion, 
and  he  therefore  abandoned  him  to  the  enemy,  in 
order  the  more  quickly  to  elude  their  pursuit,  in 
which  he  finally  succeeded,  Captain  Barnett  and  his 
party  bringing  the  animal  off  safe  and  sound.  The 
search  which  was  afterward  instituted  for  the  capture 


48  THE  HAWKINS   ZOUAVES: 

of  the  master  terminated  fruitlessly.  The  brute  was 
in  fine  condition,  fully  accoutered,  with  the  rider's 
over-coat  rolled. 

At  a  subsequent  period  there  appeared  at  the  outer 
picket  of  the  post,  a  flag  of  truce  for  the  transaction 
of  some  unimportant  business  between  the  lines. 
Major  Kimball  and  several  others  from  the  regiment 
were  granted  the  privilege  of  conferring  with  the 
agents  of  the  rebels.  One  of  the  party  bearing  the 
truce  inquired : 

"  Didn't  some  men  belonging  to  the  Zouave  regi 
ment  catch  a  horse  out  beyond  the  line  last  month  ? " 

"  Yes,  a  splendid  animal." 

"  A  splendid  hoss,  eh  ?  I  reckon  he  warn't.  He 
was  mine.  I've  rid  him  for  six  year — he's  all  run 
down  like  an  old  clock  that  an't  got  any  spring. 
He  warn't  much  loss  to  me.  I  would  have  given 
him  away,  but  nobody'd  have  him.  Didn't  I  come 
it  over  them  fellows,  and  git  away  from  'em  slick, 
though  ?  My  spindles  made  right  smart  time  I 
reckon.  I  was  out  beyond  the  saw-mill,  too,  when  a 
force  of  you  fellows  came  over  towards  Warwick. 
You  didn't  see  me,  nor  didn't  catch  nobody,  •  I 
reckon.  When  the  regiment  halted,  and  was  resting 
there  by  the  little  Run,  I  was  up  in  a  tree  near  by, 
and  heard  and  saw  a  good  deal.  A  shot  was  fired, 
but  hurt  nobody.  I  know  the  fellow  who  fired  that 
shot." 

There  have  been  far  too  many  picket  incidents  of 
the  same  character  during  the  war. 

The  period  which  now  followed  was  one  of  com 
parative  tranquillity,  scarcely  desired  by  the  regi- 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES  :  49 

ment,  and  before  its  end  was  readied  became  truly 
irksome. 

About  this  time  a  disaffection  began  to  show  itself 
among  some  of  the  officers,  the  origin  of  which  is  un 
doubtedly  traced  back  to  the  disappointment  of  one  or 
two,  who  had  failed  in  their  ambitious  hopes.  A  con 
spiracy,  whose  sole  strength  lay  in  malice  and  envy, 
gradually  spread  itself,  and  there  were  led  into  it  many 
innocent  men,  who  entirely  misunderstood  the  pur 
poses  of  those  who  got  it  up,  or  the  final  result  it  was 
intended  to  accomplish.  Some  of  the  men  thought 
themselves  ill-treated  in  many  respects,  and  they  were 
assured  that  their  wrongs  all  emanated  from  the  com 
mandant  of  the  regiment,  who  was  now  regarded  by 
them  with  a  distrustful  eye. 

Weeks  passed  on,  and  camp  was  removed  inside  the 
intrenchments.  Some  contention  now  arose  about  the 
"right  of  the  line."  It  was  balloted  for,  and  by  this 
means  the  senior  Captain  lost  his  position  in  line ; 
and  from  this  time  the  conspiracy  assumed  a  more 
serious  character.  In  the  mean  time  the  men  had 
not  been  quieted.  They  found  fault  with  every 
thing,  and  were  informed  that  it  all  was-  simply  a 
result  of  incompetency  on  the  part  of  the  Colonel  to 
manage  the  affairs  of  the  regiment.  A  great  many 
possessed  too  much  good  sense  to  meddle  at  all  with 
the  affair,  and  numbers  of  those  who  did,  scarcely 
knew  what  they  were  about.  But  some  of  the  men 
had  become  so  deeply  involved  in  the  movement, 
that,  had  it  progressed  much  further  in  that  direction, 
undoubtedly  it  would  have  resulted  in  open  mutiny. 
But  a  new  feature  was  at  this  time  contributed  to  the 


50  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

scheme.  The  rations  were  either  "too  fat  or  too  lean  ; 
they  needed  clothing  badly ;  they  had  as  yet  received 
none  but  State  pay ;  and  there  was  a  most  decided 
misunderstanding  in  regard  to  the  period  of  service 
for  which  they  were  sworn  in.  Summing  up  their 
grievances,  they  came  to  the  conclusion  that  they 
were  a  destitute,  forsaken,  and  abused  body  of  men. 

It  was  afterward  known  that  this  was  principally 
the  cause  of  the  dissatisfaction  continuing  and  re 
sulting  as  it  did,  and  not  their  dislike  to  the  Colonel, 
either  as  a  soldier  or  gentleman* 

Some  of  their  complaints  were  undoubtedly  well 
founded,  but  the  manner  in  which  they  were  presented 
was  in  conflict  with  military  law  and  discipline ;  and 
as  the  men  still  persisted  in  the  question  of  their  (Dif 
ficulties,  and  were  too  impatient  to  await  a  proper 
settlement,  Colonel  Hawkins  put  a  check  upon  the 
whole  thing  by  placing  one  entire  company  under 
arrest,  including  its  officers  and  several  others. 

General  Butler  now  made  his  appearance,  and  the 
regiment  was  ordered  out  on  the  iield  to  receive  him. 
He  then  addressed  them  in  a  very  pleasant  manner, 
acknowledging  that  their  grievances  were  sufficient 
to  test  the  patience  of  men  more  sober-minded  than 
they;  but  still  he  would  reprimand  them  for  the 
course  they  had  pursued  to  have  them  redressed.  He 
fixed  the  fact  in  their  minds  that  they  were  in  the 
service  for  two  years,  which,  to  say  the  least,  removed 
all  doubts  in  regard  to  that  source  of  dispute.  lie 
regretted  that  their  wardrobe  was  so  scanty ;  there 

*  Note  B  in  Appendix. 


THEIR   BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  51 

was  culpable  neglect  somewhere ;  lie  would  investi 
gate,  and  send  them  a  supply.  He  was  sorry  they  had 
not  received  their  pay.  He  would  send  the  paymas 
ter  up  in  a  few  days,  and  they  should  have  plenty  of 
silver. 

The  men  .were  marched  back  to  their  quarters  with 
much  improved  notions  about  "  redress."  Had  a  cor 
rect  understanding  been  earlier  arrived  at,  even  this 
trifling  blight  would  never  have  been  attached  to  the 
fair  reputation  of  the  "Ninth."  Thus  ended  the 
farce  which  might  have  been  attended  with  more 
serious  results  had  it  been  under  the  control  of  a  less 
intelligent  body  of  men. 

Those  who  originated  this  scheme  to  overthrow  the 
character  of  the  regiment  were  surprised  to  find  that 
they  had  adopted  an  unpleasant  method  of  establish 
ing  a  correct  understanding  between  the  men  and 
their  commander,  for  from  this  time  Colonel  Haw 
kins's  popularity  with  his  men  rapidly  increased. 

It  is  well  known  how  General  Butler  kept  his 
word.  The  paymaster  came  up  in  a  few  days  and 
settled  their  accounts;  and  shortly  after  an  abund 
ance  of  clothing  was  received. 

About  the  middle  of  August  General  Butler  was 
organizing  an  expedition,  the  purpose  of  which  was 
at  that  time  little  known.  Having  certain  know- 
led  <?e  that  the  rebels  had  erected  forts  at  Hatteras 

o 

Inlet,  not  only  to  capture  all  unsuspecting  vessels 
which,  through  ignorance  of  the  exact  position  of 
affairs  in  which  the  country  stood,  sailed  for  the  inlet, 
as  unsuspecting  as  a  fly  sails  into  a  web,  but  also  to  aid 
and  protect  the  privateers  of  the  great  so-called  con- 


52  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

federate  navy,  and  to  make  it  a  sort  of  rendezvous  for 
the  reception  of  prizes — the  General  resolved  to  molest 
them  in  their  presumptuous  avocation.  He  could  not 
think  of  getting  up  an  expedition  without  having  his 
favorite  regiment  represented  in  it,  and  accordingly 
he  sent  orders  up  to  Colonel  Hawkins  to  get  three 
companies  of  the  Zouaves  in  readiness  to  join  him.  In 
compliance  with  the  order,  Companies  G,  II,  and  C 
were  selected.  In  haste  they  completed  all  the  ar 
rangements  for  moving.  "While  they  were  being  ra 
tioned,  the  destination  of  the  expedition  was  the 
source  of  much  conjecture. 

But  they  were  in  the  highest  glee  at  the  prospect 
of  a  change  from  camp,  when,  on  the  morning  of 
August  26th,  they  took  their  departure  from  Camp 
Butler,  and  embarked  on  the  steamer  Adelaide,  in 
which  vessel  they  accompanied  the  fleet,  which  was 
composed  also  of  the  vessels  of  war  Wabash,  Minne 
sota,  Harriet  Lane,  Cumberland,  Pawnee,  Monticello, 
and  Susquehanna,  and  the  George  Peabody,  the  lat 
ter  having  live  hundred  men  ol  the  Twentieth  ^Few- 
York  on  board. 

The  expedition  arrived  off  Hatteras  before  noon  of 
the  27th,  where  they  lay  to  until  the  following  morn 
ing. 

Before  daybreak,  however,  Captain  Jardine,  with, 
his  company,  (G,)  got  ready  to  land  just  behind  the 
large  sand-hills  about  two  miles  up  the  beach.  It 
was  a  dangerous  feat  to  perform — springing  out  of  the 
ooats  and  wading  through  the  heavy,  rolling  surf. 
There  was  great  fear  that  many  lives  would  be  lost ; 
but  they  all  assisted  one  another,  and  after  consider- 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  53 

able,  almost  superhuman  effort,  they  succeeded  in 
getting  safely  on  the  land.  A  few  of  the  other  troops 
were  landed  in  the  same  manner,  when  it  was  de 
clared  impossible  to  debark  any  more. 

During  the  landing  of  the  troops  the  Harriet  Lane, 
Monticello,  and  Pawnee  were  engaged  in  throwing  a 
continual  stream  of  shell  into  the  low  shrub  upon  the 
Pamlico  shore,  to  drive  oirE  the  rebels  there,  and  to 
prevent  them  from  dislodging  the  "force  that  kad 
landed.  From  the  fleet  the  sight  was  as  sublime  as 
it  was  novel  to  most  of  the  soldiery.  The  bright 
bivouac  fires  of  Company  G  could  be  seen,  partly 
hidden  by  the  rising  knolls  of  sand.  It  had  been 
expected  that  a  much  larger  force  of  troops  would  be 
thrown  ashore ;  but  as  so  few  were  there,  great  anxiety 
was  manifested  by  the  "Xinth"  lest  their  gallant 
Company  G  should  be  surprised  and  overpowered  by 
the  enemy.  The  rebels  were  either  ignorant  of  their 
diminutive  numbers,  or  they  already  considered  their 
own  case  too  hopeless  to  strive  for.  The  latter  may 
be  inferred  from  their  surrender  the  following  day. 

The  rebels  having  thus  been  summarily  disposed 
of,  the  Union  troops  took  formal  possession  of  their 
works. 


54  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES  I 


PART     FOURTH  : 

to    Boanoke* 


I~N  virtue  of  tlie  rank  of  commission,  Colonel 
Hawkins  assumed  command  of  the  landed  forces 
at  Hatteras,  leaving  the  fleet  on  the  30th  day  of 
August,  and  taking  up  his  headquarters  at  Fort  Clark 
for  that  purpose.  Colonel  Max  Weber,  of  the  Twen 
tieth  New-  York  Volunteers,  was  placed  in  command 
of  Fort  Hatteras,  the  boundary  line  of  his  authority 
extending  across  the  island  to  within  two  hundred 

o 

yards  of  the  fort  first  surrendered. 

"We  give  below  a  communication  from  Colonel 
Hawkins  to  Major-General  Wool,  which  contains 
some  valuable  suggestions  in  regard  to  the  strategic 
points  of  Pamlico  Sound. 

FORT  CLARK,  HATTERAS  INLET,  Sept.  6,  1861. 
MAJOR-GENERAL  JOHN    E.  WOOL,  Commanding  Department  of 

Virginia,  Fortress  Monroe,  Va.  : 

GENERAL  :  On  the  80th  day  of  August  I  landed  from  the  fleet 
and  took  command  of  Fort  Clark,  where  I  still  remain  with  the 
companies  which  1  brought  with  me  from  Newports  News. 
During  the  afternoon  of  the  30th  ult.,  a  delegation  on  behalf  of 
the  citizens  of  this  island  waited  on  me,  and  placed  in  my  hands 
a  paper,  a  copy  of  which  is  herewith  inclosed,  and  marked  "A," 
and  is  as  follows  : 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  55 

"  To  THE  COMMANDER   OF  THE   FEDERAL   FORCES  AT  HATTERAS 

INLET  : 

"  DEAR  SIR  :  We,  the  citizens  of  Cape  Hatteras,  do  ask  of 
your  honor  that  you  will  allow  us  to  return  to  our  homes  and 
property,  and  protect  us  in  the  same  as  neutral  citizens,  as  we 
have  never  taken  up  arms  against  your  Government,  nor  has  it 
been  our  wish  to  do  so.  We  did  not  help,  by  our  votes,  to  get 
North-Carolina  out  of  the  Union.  Believing  that  your  clemency 
will  not  allow  you  to  treat  us  as  rebels,  who  have  always  been 
loyal  citizens,  we  do  earnestly  request,  for  the  sake  of  our 
women  and  children,  that  you  will  comply  with  our  wishes,  as 
we  seek  protection  from  your  honor. 

"  Yours  very  respectfully, 

"  CITIZENS  OF  HATTERAS." 

In  answer  to  this  communication  I  requested  that  as  many 
citizens  as  could  might  meet  me  the  next  day,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  arranging  terms  by  which  they  would  be  permitted  to 
remain  here.  Agreeably  to  the  request,  about  thirty  men  came 
to  see  me.  The  terms  were  contained  in  an  oath,  a  copy  of 
which  is  here  transmitted,  and  marked  "B,"  as  follows: 

"  STATE  OF  NORTH-CAROLINA, 

"HYDE  COUNTY. 

"  WE,  the  undersigned,  do  solemnly  swear  that  we  will  bear 
true  allegiance  to  the  United  States ;  that  we  will  not  take  up 
arms  against  said  Government,  or  hold  any  communications  with 
its  enemies,  or  aid  or  comfort  its  enemies  in  any  way  whatever  ; 
that  we  will  give  to  the  commander  of  Fort  Clark  any  inform 
ation  we  may  obtain  or  receive  of  the  approach  of  the  enemy ; 
and  in  case  we  are  called  upon,  we  will  assist  the  commandant 
of  said  fort  in  his  defense  thereof  against  any  and  all  of  the 
enemies  of  the  United  States ;  and  we  will  always,  under  any 
and  in  all  circumstances,  support  the  Constitution  of  the  United 
States." 


56  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

They  concurred  in  the  terms.  . 

On  my  part,  I  have  agreed  verbally  to  give  them  all  the  neces 
sary  protection  against  the  vigilance  committees,  which  infest 
all  parts  of  the  State,  (and  which  are  organized  for  the  purpose 
of  suppressing  Union  sentiment,  and  pressing  young  men  into 
the  service  of  the  Confederate  army,)  and  to  afford  them  any 
other  protection  necessary.  Two  hundred  and  fifty  have  already 
taken  the  oath,  and  they  are  still  coming  in. 


Suggestions. 

1st.  Roanoke  Island,  which  commands  the  Croatan  channel, 
between  Pamlico  and  Albemarle  Sounds,  should  ~be  occupied  at 
once.  It  is  now  held  by  the  rebels.  They  have  a  battery  com 
pleted  at  the  upper  end  of  the  island,  and  another  in  course  of 
erection  at  the  southern  extremity. 

2d.  A  small  force  should  be  stationed  at  Beacon  Island,  which 
is  in  the  mouth  of  the  Ocracoke  Inlet,  and  commands  it. 

3d.  Two  or  three  light-draft  vessels  should  be  stationed  be 
tween  the  mouths  of  the  Neuse  and  Pamlico  Rivers.  This 
would  shut  out  all  commerce  with  New-Berne  and  Washington, 
both  of  which  places  have  long  been  entree-ports  for  privateers. 

4th.  There  should  be  at  least  eight  light-draft  gunboats  in 
Pamlico  Sound. 

6th.  Beaufort  should  be  occupied  as  soon  as  possible. 

All  of  these  matters  should  he  attended  to  immediately.  Seven 
thousand  men,  judiciously  placed  upon  the  soil  of  North- Caro 
lina,  would  draw,  within  the  next  three  weelcs,  twenty  thousand 
Confederate  troops  from  the  State  of  Virginia. 

I  wish,  if  you  agree  with  me,  and  deem  it  consistent  with 
your  duty,  that  you  would  impress  upon  the  Government  the 
importance  and  necessity  of  immediate  action  in  this  department. 
Most  faithfully  your  humble  servant, 

RUSH  C.  HAWKINS,  Col.  Ninth  N.  Y.  V., 

Commanding  Fort  Clark. 

All  analysis  of  the  wisdom  embodied  in  these  sng- 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  57 

gestions  would  be  superfluous  here,  for  a  portion  of  it 
lias  already  become  triumphant  history,  and  what  has 
not  been  acted  upon  is  still  apparent.  We  know  how 
Roanoke,  New-Berne,  and  Plymouth  had  been  occu 
pied  ;  and  we  can  yet  realize  the  immense  advantage 
to  the  Union  cause  which  would  have  accrued  from 
complete  control~of  ^fche  coast  land  and  inner  waters  of 
North-Carolina.  There  would  have  been  no  Weldon 
for  the  rebels.  Richmond  would  have  failed  to  play 
the  nightmare  in  Northern  homes.  Norfolk  would 
not  have  been  maintained  so  long. 

In  a  succeeding  report,  Colonel  Hawkins  repeats 
the  same  ideas  in  regard  to  the  immediate  occupation 
of  Pamlico  Sound  and  its  strategic  points.  He  says  : 
"  I  still  adhere  to  the  suggestions  of  my  former  re 
port,  and  would  most  respectfully  urge  the  import 
ance  of  immediately  occupying  Roanoke  and  Beacon 
Islands" 

The  two  islands  mentioned  were  being  fortified  by 
the  rebels,  and  before  many  weeks  the  position  would 
be  so  strong  that  a  very  heavy  force  would  be  re 
quired  to  dislodge  them.  At  a  .later  date  we  learn 
that  Beacon  Island  was  to  be  abandoned,  and  its  guns 
and  munition  removed  to  other  places.  But  the 
transfer  of  the  war  material  was  interfered  with  by 
the  commandant  of  Hatteras,  as  is  evident  in  a  re 
port  to  General  Wool,  dated  Sept.  19th  :  "  On  the 
morning  of  the  16th  inst.,  an  expedition,  consisting 
in  part  of  the  Union  Coast  Guard,  under  charge  of 
Lieutenants  Rowe  and  Patten,  and  a  detachment  from 
the  crew  of  steamer  Pawnee,  under  charge  of  Lieuten- 

*  O 

ant  Maxwell,  U.  S.  N.,  the  whole  commanded  by  Lieu- 


58  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

tenant  Eastman  of  the  Pawnee,  embarked  on  board 
the  steamer  Fanny  and  one  of  the  launches  belonging 
to  the  former,  and  proceeded  immediately  to  Beacon 
Island,  where  they  found  a  large  battery,  mounting 
twenty  two  guns,  four  of  which  had  been  taken  away 
the  day  previous  to  New-Berne  on  steamer  Washing 
ton.  The  remaining  guns  were  all  totally  destroyed, 
the  bombproofs  demolished ,  and  the  woodwork  of  the 
battery,  together  with  a  large  pile  of  lumber,  was  all 
burned.  A  light-ship,  towed  from  its  moorings  by 
the  rebels,  was  also  destroyed  by  fire.  The  expedition 
returned  from  complete  success,  bringing  with  them 
some  eighty  shells  from  the  battery." 

The  force  at  Newports  News  had  become  materially 
reduced,  and  all  interest  attached  to  the  place  seemed 
to  lag  behind  the  wishes  of  the  garrison.  Although 
the  greater  portion  of  the  "  Ninth"  was  still  there, 
and  had  the  satisfaction  of  cheering  for  the  success  of 
the  expedition  in  which  they  were  represented,  yet 
their  desire  to  leave  the  place  increased.  They  possi 
bly  might  have  been  contented,  had  their  Colonel  re 
mained  with  them.  *  As  if  anticipating  their  wishes,  an 
order  came  to  Lieut-Colonel  Betts  to  proceed  to  Hat- 
teras  with  five  more  companies,  and  join  the  portion 
of  the  "  Ninth  "  at  that  place.  Accordingly,  they 
left  Newports  News  on  September  10th,  leaving  Major 
Kimball  at  Camp  Butler,  in  command  of  the  two 
remaining  companies,  B  and  Iv. 

Lieut. -Colonel  Betts  with  his  command  landed  at 
Hatteras  on  September  llth,  and  by  direction  of  Col 
onel  Hawkins  proceeded  up  the  island  about  two 
miles,  and  established  a  camp  on  the  shore  of  Pamlico 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  59 

Sound,  which  was  named  Camp  Wool.  Pickets  were 
thrown  out  a  few  miles  above  that  place,  heing  the 
ontpost  of  Hatteras,  to  protect  the  force  below  against 
any  body  of  the  enemy  that  might  come  down  to 
effect  a  landing  between  Camp  Wool  and  Trent ;  for 
intelligence  was  received  that  the  rebel  force  on  Eoa- 
noke  Island  was  being  daily  increased,  and  steamers 
and  barges  sent  there  for  a  purpose  too  definite  to 
render  conclusions  difficult.  It  seemed  now  very 
probable  that  a  battle  on  Hatteras  would  shortly  take 
place,  and  Colonel  Hawkins  became  deeply  reiin- 
pressed  with  the  necessity  of  "  immediate  action  in 
that  department."  But  his  counselings  and  warn 
ings  were  either  unheeded  or  put  off  too  long. 

It  became  now  the  part  of  prudence  to  fix  a  camp 
at  Chicomocomico,  and  the  seven  companies  of  the 
Twentieth  Indiana  at  Fort  Clark  were  dispatched  to 
the  upper  end  of  the  Island  for  that  purpose,  which 
we  shall  soon  see  was  a  wise  one,  notwithstanding  the 
"  American  Conflict "  has  no  knowledge  of  the  "  ex 
cuse  offered  for  this  dangerous  division  of  his  forces."* 

The  gunboat  Fanny,  employed  in  running  between 
Fort  Hatteras  and  Chicomocomico,  transporting  the 
quartermaster  and  commissary  stores,  wras  captured 
when  about  thirty-six  miles  above  Hatteras  Inlet. 
She  was  in  shallow  water  about  four  miles  off  that 
part  of  the  shore  where  the  camp  was,  and  under  the 
direction  of  Sergeant-Major  Peacock  a  detail  of  the 
Zouaves  were  unloading  her  cargo  in  boats  plying 


*  No  "  excuse"  \vasever  offered,  and  the  "  Conflict"  was  wise  in  not 
publishing  one. 


60  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES 

between  the  vessel  and  the  island,  when  three  rebel 
steamers,  the  Coffee,  Windslow,  and  Juanalauski, 
made  their  appearance,  rapidly  coming  down  upon 
her  in  such  a  way  as  to  completely  hem  her  in.  No 
effort  was  made  to  destroy  the  cargo  or  vessel,  or  to 
prepare  for  defense,  and  the  Fanny  surrendered  with 
all  on  board,  including  Sergeant-Major  Peacock,* 
with  nine  men  of  the  "  Ninth"  New- York,  and  twenty 
men  of  the  Twentieth  Indiana ;  also  all  the  new  over 
coats  of  the  latter  regimen  t.  The  captain  of  the  Fanny 
had,  some  time  previous,  been  arrested  and  lodged  in 
Fortress  Monroe  for  refusing  to  take  the  oath  of  al 
legiance,  and  the  manner  in  which  the  vessel  was  sur- 

O 

rendered  left  no  doubt  that  it  was  a  conspired  navy 
frjpak  on  his  part.  This  seemed  a  prelude  to  the  dis 
aster  which  soon  followed. 

At  daybreak,  on  the  4th  of  October,  the  enemy  was 
first  seen  approaching  in  a  direct  line  for  the  Chico- 
mocomico  shore.  They  appeared  like  a  few  specks 
upon  the  water,  were  closely  watched,  and  in  a  short 
time  their  vessels  could  be  plainly  made  out,  laden 
with  troops,  and  coming  down  upon  the  camp  of  the 
Indiana  regiment.  Colonel  Brown  made  what  little 
preparation  occurred  to  him ;  but  the  rebels  came 
upon  him  hastily,  and  he  retreated  more  hastily.  It 
is  true  that  the  enemy  was  landing  a  force  below  to 
cut  off  his  retreat,  and,  so  far,  they  should  have  been 
met ;  but  had  Colonel  Hawkins's  plan  of  defense  been 
carried  out,  the  affair  would  not  have  terminated  so 
disastrously  as  it  did.  The  result,  as  anticipated, 

*  Sec  Note  C,  Appendix. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  61 

should  an  attack  be  made,  was  to  have  placed  the 
entire  landed  force  of  the  enemy  in  the  situation  of 
captives. 

At  the  first  stage  of  alarm,  a  loyal  native  rode 
quickly  down  to  Camp  "Wool,  and  informed  Colonel 
Hawkins  of  the  condition  of  affairs,  who  sent  Major 
Jardine  with  dispatches  of  instructions  to  Colonel 
Brown.  The  Major  was  not  long  in  making  the  dis 
tance,  and  he  found  the  force  there  already  in  a  de 
moralized  condition. . 

A  moment  after  receiving  intelligence  of  the  at 
tack,  Colonel  Hawkins,  after  dispatching  a  messen 
ger  of  alarm  to  the  commandant  of  the  naval  force, 
immediately  left  Camp  "Wool  with  eight  companies 
of  the  "  Ninth,"  and  marched  to  the  support  of  Colo 
nel  Brown.  It  was  a  forced  march,  and  the  severest 
one  the  regiment  had,  up  to  that  time,  undertaken — 
one  mile  on  the  loose  sand  being  fully  equivalent  to 
two  on  firmer  ground.  They  arrived  at  Hatteras 
Light  during  the  night,  and  bivouacked  till  dawn  of 
the  following  day,  when  they  covered  the  retreat  of 
the  Indiana  men,  who  were  in  a  very  demoralized 
condition,  with  the  natives  of  both  sexes  and  all  ages 
clinging  to  them  for  protection.  The  rebels  did  not 
show  fight  upon  the  approach  of  the  "  Ninth,"  not 
withstanding  the  Third  Georgia  regiment,  which  was 
there,  had  expressed  itself  as  very  desirous  of  a  close 
contact  with  the  "  Bed-heads."  It  will  be  seen  that 
they  did  have  that  pleasure  on  more  than  one  occa 
sion  afterward. 

Companies  B  and  K,  still  remaining  at  Newports 
4 


62  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

News,  imder  Major  Kimball,  were  now  ordered  to 
join  the  regiment  at  Hatteras,  and  accordingly  they 
made  ready ;  and  when  all  the  stores  and  luggage 
were  on  board  the  S.  R.  Spaulding,  they  were  march 
ed  to  the  General's  headquarters  to  bid  him  farewell. 
Although  at  different  times  previous  he  had  been  de 
prived  of  portions  of  the  regiment  he  loved  so  well, 
yet  he  was  consoled  by  the  companies  left  behind ; 
but  now  the  last  of  the  "  Little  Zouaves  "  had  ar 
ranged  themselves  before  his  quarters  to  say  good-by. 

Oh  !  how  vividly  is  the  picture  of  that  scene  recalled 
to  the  minds  of  those  who  so  tearfully  participated  in 
it  !  No  words  can  fully  express  the  regret  with 
which  General  Phelps  parted  from  those  two  com 
panies  which  had  been  so  kindly  associated  with  him 
since  they  entered  the  service.  He  endeavored  to 
speak  to  them ;  he  tried  to  tell  them  of  the  first  im 
pressions  they  made  on  his  mind ;  how  he  received 
them  as  schoolboys,  and  that  he  now  parted  from 
them  with  the  affectionate  regard  and  regret  of  a  pa 
ternal  teacher ;  but  his  heart  seemed  to  come  up  in 
his  throat,  and  to  stop  the  words,  and  it  was  in  vain 
that  they  tried  to  come  out.  He  could  not  make  a 
speech — he  broke  down ;  and  although  he  was  not 
seen  to  take  out  his  handkerchief,  yet  we  will  not  be 
responsible  for  what  he  did  when  alone  in  his  quar 
ters  a  moment  after.  But  the  cheers  which  were  so 
heartily  given  came  to  his  relief.  The  Spaulding  re 
ceived  the  last  of  her  freight  and  pushed  from  the  dock. 

The  next  morning  the  companies  disembarked  at 
Fort  Hatteras,  and  began  their  march  for  Camp 
Wool.  A  Zouave  writes : 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  63 

"Sand,  sand,  Hatteras  sand!  We  understood  no  marching 
would  have  to  be  done,  and  so  we  had  loaded  our  knapsacks 
very  heavily.  We  soon  began  to  sink  under  them  when  we  had 
gone  but  one  mile  over  the  loose  sand,  into  which  we  sank  deep 
ly  at  every  step,  and  our  case  was  aggravated  still  more  deeply 
from  the  fact  that  we  had  little  prospect  of  any  thing  to  eat  or 

drink In  the  tent  the  following  morning  a  messmate 

found  his  head  half-buried  in  sand.  Sand  everywhere — in  your 
hair,  in  your  shoes,  sifts  through  your  clothes,  in  your  eyes  and 
nose,  between  your  teeth,  fingers  and  toes,  in  your  coffee  and 
your  hose,  in  your  plate,  in  your  knapsack  and  ink-bottle.  1  am 
disgusted  with  Hatteras — it  must  be  the  sand-bank  of  creation." 

A  great  deal,  both  true  and  false,  lias  been  said  of 
the  "  .Barnard  affair,"  (as  it  was  called,)  and  we  deem 
it  due  to  all  parties  concerned  to  give  a  succinct  but 
impartial  statement  of  the  facts. 

On  the  1st  of  August,  1861,  the  First  [Regiment 
New- York  Yolunteers,  stationed  at  Camp  Butler, 
ISTewports  News,  received  their  regular  pay,  and  on 
the  night  following  the  men  of  Company  K,  having 
imbibed  an  indiscreet  portion  of  the  elevating  bev 
erage,  became  very  noisy  and  troublesome,  and  Cap 
tain  Barnard  came  from  his  tent,  ordering  them  to 
cease  their  clamor;  and  they  choosing  to  make  all 
the  more,  he  drew  a  pistol  and  shot  one  man  through 
the  shoulder,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  nearly  re 
covered  after  a  long  confinement. 

Captain  Barnard  immediately  saw  the  crime  his 
temper  had  been  guilty  of,  and  thought  it  prudent  to 
vacate  the  scene  of  excitement,  which  he  did  by  seek 
ing  refuge  in  the  General's  quarters,  where  he  re 
mained  to  save  his  life,  for  a  number  of  the  wounded 


64  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

man's  comrades  had  loaded  their  muskets  and  were 
searching  the  camp  for  him. 

He  a  short  time  subsequent  received  a  transfer  to 
the  Ninth  New- York,  and  when  arrived  at  the  head 
quarters  of  the  regiment  to  report  for  duty,  Colonel 
Hawkins  would  not  recognize  his  commission,  but 
sent  him  back  to  General  Wool.  He  arrived  at  Hat- 
teras  a  second  time,  when  General  Mansfield  had 
been  succeeded  in  command  of  the  post  by  General 
"Williams,  who,  in  Special  Orders  No.  5,  dated  Oct. 
22d,  1861,  ordered  the  transferred  Captain  to  again 
report  to  Colonel  Hawkins  for  duty.  But  it  is  well 
known  that  the  latter  would  never  consent  to  give 
him  the  least  shadow  of  a  command  in  any  company 
of  the  "  Ninth,"  and  having  forcible  reasons,  he  was 
neither  mysterious  nor  fearful  in  the  position  he 
assumed  in  resisting  the  authority  of  the  Governor. 
The  "Regulations"  are  explicit  on  this  subject,  and 
give  to  the  War  Department  alone  the  power  of 
transferring  men  from  one  regiment  to  another.  The 
Colonel,  therefore,  saw  at  once  that  Governor  Morgan 
transcended  the  power  of  his  office  in  trying  to  force 
this  disagreeable  and  disreputable  man  upon  his  regi 
ment.  Colonel  Hawkins  w^as  polite,  but  emphatic, 
in  giving  all  to  understand  that  the  "Ninth  New- 
York  Volunteers  was  not  composed  of  released  occu 
pants  from  the  Alms-house  or  Penitentiary,  nor  of  any 
other  set  of  vagabonds."  But  there  were  also  other 
valid  reasons  why  he  would  not  assign  Barnard  to  a 
command  in  the  regiment.  Pie  felt  that  the  recog 
nition  in  office  of  a  man  who  had  flagrantly  violated 
the  first  principles  of  humanity  would  be  "  a  manifest 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  65 

injury  to  the  service,"  and  that  there  was  but  one 
course  to  be  pursued.  Consequently,  upon  a  further 
culmination  of  the  matter,  General  Williams  issued 
an  order  placing  him  under  arrest  for  refusing  to 
comply  with  the  Special  Orders  !No.  5. 

Under  date  of  October  31st,  Colonel  Hawkins  is 
ordered  to  report  to  Major- General  Wool,  at  depart 
ment  headquarters,  for  trial,  which  he  obeyed  on  the 
the  departure  of  the  first  steamer  for  Fortress  Monroe. 
When  the  Colonel  took  his  leave  the  men  gathered 
around  him  upon  the  beach  and  dock,  manifesting  an 
unusual  degree  of  love  and  good-will,  an  evidence 
that  he  was  fast  being  reinstated  in  those  associations 
of  mutual  confidence  and  esteem  which  he  formerly 
enjoyed,  but  which  had  never  gained  such  ascendency 
over  the  men  as  at  the  present  time. 

He  addressed  the  men  briefly.  If  he  was  success 
ful  in  the  trial,  he  would  return  to  them  and  take 
them  from  Hatteras ;  if  he  should  fail,  he  would  never, 
return ;  but  in  that  event  commended  them  to  be 
faithful  to  a  future  commander.  But  he  assured  them 
no  one  would  love  them  or  care  for  them  as  he  had. 
He  seated  himself  in  the  boat,  and  as  he  was  rowed 
from  the  shore,  waved  his  fez  in  reply  to  the  long, 
loud  cheers  of  the  men.  The  band  discoursed  an 
affecting  air,  and  many  turned  away  to  conceal  the 
tear  that  flowed  down  the  cheek,  while  others  eagerly 
watched  the  boat  until  it  was  a  mere  speck  upon  the 
water. 

Colonel  Hawkins  was  received  by  General  Wool 
with  marked  cordiality ;  and  after  the  circumstances 
which  brought  him  there  were  fully  inquired  into, 


66  THE  HAWKINS   ZOUAVES: 

the  General  dismissed  him  with  an  entire  approval  of 
the  position  he  had  taken,  and  sent  him  with  dis 
patches  to  the  President ;  in  a  brief  interview  Mr. 
Lincoln  frankly  admitted  that  his  view  of  the  "  Bar 
nard  affair"  was  a  correct  one,  and  that  no  other 
should  be  recognized. 

During  the  temporary  absence  of  Colonel  Hawkins, 
Lieut.-Colonel  Betts  assigned  Captain  Leon  Barnard 
to  Company  I.  But  the  Captain  soon  learned  that 
the  assumption  of  the  command  brought  him  in  con 
tact  with  more  difficulty  than  he  had  probably  antici 
pated.  Many  little  incidents  were  constantly  occur 
ring  to  remind  him  of  the  disagreeable  nature  of  the 
position  he  was  attempting  to  hold,  until  after  two 
very  long  days  of  inexorable  vexation  he  was  abso 
lutely  compelled  to  leave  the  regiment.  He  was 
transferred  to  the  Third  New-York  Volunteers. 

Shortly  after,  the  men  were  gladdened  with  the 
return  of  their  Colonel,  who  took  them  by  the  hand 
as  a  brother.  He  staid  only  a  few  hours,  and  then 
went  to  Washington.  He  was  working  faithfully  for 
the  regiment,  and  the  men  knew  it. 

On  the  last  day  of  October  a  terrific  storm  arose 
upon  the  whole  coast  of  the  Carolinas,  being  the  most 
violent  among  the  treacherous  shoals  of  Hatteras, 
and  more  especially  upon  the  famous  Diamond  Reef. 
Sergeant  Glinchy  and  two  men  of  the  "  Ninth"  were 
lost  in  a  small  boat;  and  the  "Hut  Picket"  of  twelve 

men,  under  command  of  Sergeant  W ,  with  the 

assistance  of  Captain  Stowe,  a  native,  barely  escaped 
from  their  perilous  situation.  Duncan's  creek,  which 
they  had  crossed  in  the  morning,  had  become  so 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   HABCHES.  67 

swollen  that  their  communication  with  the  camp  was 
almost  entirely  cut  off.  In  one  hour  more  their  es 
cape  would  have  been  a  miracle,  for  "Bald  Beach" 
was  completely  overflowed  by  the  sea  washing  into 
the  sound. 

During  the  months  of  November,  December,  and 
January  the  various  companies  of  the  regiment 
moved  and  removed  their  camps  quite  frequently, 
and  finally  settled  down  in  their  original  positions, 
just  previous  to  their  departure  from  Hatteras. 

On  the  13th  day  of  January  the  S.  K.  Spaulding 
again  arrived  at  Hatteras  with  Colonel  Hawkins,  fol 
lowed  by  numerous  vessels  of  the  Burnside  Expedi 
tion.  Major  Kimball  was  drilling  a  battalion  of  the 
regiment  upon  "Bald  Beach,"  when  the  Colonel 
arrived  on  the  ground  accompanied  by  General 
Burnside  and  a  portion  of  his  staff.  "  Now,  boys," 
said  the  Major,  "  three  cheers,"  and  three  times 
three  were  given  heartily,  after  which  the  expres 
sions  of  joy  exhibited  by  the  men  at  the  return  of 
their  Colonel  knew  no  bounds.  In  their  sudden  hap 
piness  they  saw  a  vision  of  relief  from  the  "  durance 
vile"  of  Hatteras,  which  the  treatment  received  from 
the  Commanding  General,  who  employed  the  troops 
in  futile  work  upon  useless  fortifications,  had  rendered 
untenable  with  any  degree  of  contentment.* 

Orders  were  immediately  received  to  have  the 
equipments  and  appointments  of  the  regiment  en 
tirely  complete,  and  to  make  such  preparations  that 
the  troops  might  be  able  to  move  at  an  hour's  notice. 
The  investigation  was  thorough  —  every  want  was 

*  Note  E  in  Appendix. 


68  .      THE  HAWKINS   ZOUAVES: 

supplied,  and  the  men  were  once  more  cheerful  at 
the  prospect  of  again  being  treated  like  soldiers.  But 
the  long  delay,  occasioned  by  the  unfavorable  and 
stormy  condition  of  the  weather,  for  a  moment  threw 
a  damper  upon  their  strong  hopes,  which  could  not, 
however,  be  wholly  extinguished. 

After  the  greater  portion  of  the  expedition  had 
safely  passed  the  "  Swash,"  direct  orders  were  issued 
that  the  "  Ninth  "  must  make  ready  to  embark.  So 
little  remained  to  be  accomplished  in  the  way  of 
preparation,  that  early  the  next  morning  (the  3d 
day  of  February)  the  regiment  marched,  in  a  drench 
ing  rain,  to  Fort  Hatteras,  the  point  of  embarkation, 
where  they  were  disposed  of,  and  placed  upon  vessels 
which  had  been  appropriated  for  their  occupation. 

About  eight  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  5th  of 
February  the  whole  fleet  started  under  way,  and  as 
each  vessel  took  up  its  position  in  the  line  designated 
by  previous  orders,  the  various  bands  of  the  regi 
ments,  at  the  proper  time,  struck  up  with  a  martial 
spirit  the  enlivening  air  of  "  Hail  to  the  Chief," 
which,  with  a  thrilling  pulsation  of  patriotic  har 
mony,  throbbed  against  the  breasts  of  all  the  soldiers, 
filling  them  with  an  enthusiasm  that  continually  in 
creased  as  they  further  advanced  toward  the  object  of 
the  great  movement  they  were  engaged  in.  At  six 
o'clock  P.M.,  the  whole  fleet  dropped  anchor,  and  with 
few  exceptions  remained  stationary  until  morning, 
those  of  each  brigade  lying  near  their  respective  flag 
ships  for  orders. 

At  eight  o'clock  A.M.  of  the  6th,  the  fleet  again 
moved  forward;  but  in  consequence  of  a  high  wind 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  69 

and  heavy  fog,  again  lay  to  about  noon,  eacli  vessel 
anchoring  in  its  proper  position,  until  early  on  the 
following  day,  when  every  thing  proving  favorable, 
anchors  were  again  weighed,  and  the  floating  city 
once  more  in  motion,  plowing  steadily  forward  in 
the  direction  of  the  enemy. 

Arriving  in  distinct  view  of  Roanoke  Island  so  soon 
conveys  the  idea  that  the  fleet  was  not  far  off  when 
the  fog  prevailed.  And  now  as  the  ships  neared  the 
enemy  they  seemed  to  straighten  up  their  tall  masts 
to  their  full  height,  proudly  advancing  to  victory.  It 
was  an  imposing  sight,  and  its  very  grandeur  seemed 
a  guarantee  of  a  noble  triumph  over  a  base  foe. 

The  gunboats  now  steamed  ahead,  and  when  suffi 
ciently  near  the  enemy,  opened  upon  the  different 
points  furiously,  as  fast  as  the  rebels  exposed  their 
batteries  by  engaging  the  Union  fleet.  The  trans 
ports  were  stationed  at  a  safe  distance  from  the  ac 
tion,  or  moved  slowly  forward,  the  eager  troops 
mounting  the  rigging  and  cross-trees  to  gain  a  more 
uninterrupted  view  of  the  bombardment.  We  pass 
over  the  events  connected  with  the  bombardment, 
and  give  our  attention  to  the  noble  work  that  was 
accomplished  the  next  day  by  the  troops  composing 
General  TBurnside's  command. 

At  given  signals  from  the  flag-ships,  the  troops 
began  to  debark  in  small  boats  at  Ashby's  Landing, 
about  five  o'clock  P.M.,  and  took  up  position  one  mile 
inland,  driving  in  the  rebel  pickets.  Night  closed 
around  them,  and  a  large  bivouac  was  established  at 
the  place,  the  camp-fires  at  a  distance  lending  more 

beauty  to  the  scene  than  a  close  experience  of  it  could 
4* 


70  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

appreciate.  About  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  the 
"  Ninth  "  was  transferred  on  the  steamer  Union,  and 
soon  after  landed  at  the  point  which  had  been  se 
lected. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  71 


PART    FIFTH  ; 

to   Mint  on, 


THE  passage  of  so  many  regiments  over  the  marsli 
had  worked  the  soil  into  the  consistency  of  soft 
clay,  and  when  the  Zouaves  pushed  forward  to  the 
bivouac,  they  found  progress  extremely  difficult  in 
some  places.  At  a  small  stream  whose  water  had 
been  drained  by  the  falling  tide,  leaving  only  its 
mud,  they  were  obliged  to  cross  upon  some  rails 
thrown  loosely  over,  and  in  the  darkness  missteps 
were  common,  and  the  incident  of  going  down  to  the 
bottom  of  the  slough  with  one  foot  on  either  side  of 
a  rail  occurred  frequently. 

At  a  point  where  many  paths  diverged,  there  were 
stationed  the  staff-officers  of  the  different  brigades 
and  divisions,  calling  out  in  peculiar  tones  of  their 
own,  This  way  such  a  regiment  !  and  That  way  such  a 
regiment  !  Arriving  upon  the  ground,  a  scene  of  the 
utmost  confusion  seemed  to  prevail.  Each  division 
had  stacked  arms  in  a  position  that  would  be  conve 
nient  for  falling  in  en  masse  at  a  moment's  warning  ; 
and  the  soldiers  were  gathered  in  close  order  about 
the  fires  they  had  kindled,  or,  wrapped  in  their  blank 
ets,  lay  rolled  up  on  the  ground  with  the  intention 
of  getting  a  little  rest  and  sleep  if  they  could.  But 


72  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

Morpheus  was  not  liberal  that  night,  and  though 
many  attempts  were  made  to  court  his  graces,  few 
met  with  any  favor  or  success.  The  "  Ninth  "  stack 
ed  their  arms  in  proper  place,  and  afterward  built 
their  own  fires,  around  which  they  crowded  in  large 
circles,  some  cooking  the  raw  bacon  that  had  been 
issued  to  them,  others  singing  songs  of  patriotism  or 
comicality,  others  pouring  into  marvelous  ears  the 
wonders  that  had  already  occurred  since  landing. 
The  rain,  which  was  now  descending  steadily,  and 
continued  all  the  night,  added  not  a  little  to  the  dis 
comfort  of  the  troops. 

The  only  house  upon  the  premises  was  occupied  as 
quarters  by  the  generals  and  their  staff.  An  officer 
writes  home :  "  The  generals  had  gone  up  garret- 
there  were  no  rooms  up-stairs — and  had  lain  down  on 
the  floor  and  gone  to  sleep.  After  an  hour  or  so,  the 
officers  present  (the  room  was  crowded  with  them) 
began  to  make  arrangements  for  going  to  sleep.  He 
was  a  lucky  man  who  was  able  to  get  in  that  house ; 
luckier  was  he  who  could  get  a  'chair  to  sit  in  ;  and 
supremely  fortunate  was  the  man  who  could  secure 
a  place  to  lie  down  and  sleep  in.  I  found  an  old 
friend  in  the  room  who  had  possession  of  a  wooden 
bench  about  two  feet  long,  which  he  invited  me  to 
share  with  him ;  so  we  sat  astride  of  it  facing  each 
other;  he  laid  his  head  upon  my  right  shoulder,  and 
his  shoulder  supported  my  head  in  the  same  way,  and 
in  this  position  we  fell  asleep." 

A  short  time  before  daybreak  a  false  alarm  was 
created,  having  its  origin  in  a  slight  disturbance  on 
picket,  and  the  "Ninth"  sprang  every  man  to  his 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  78 

musket,  as  though  there  was  but  one  to  grasp,  with 
that  alacrity  which  had  been  drilled  into  them  so 
long  that  it  had  become  as  an  impulse  in  their  nature 
as  a  regiment.  In  less  time  than  is  required  to  state 
the  fact,  the  whole  force  had  seized  their  arms  and 
were  prepared  to  resist  the  supposed  attack.  The 
sensation  of  alarm  died  slowly  away,  as  did  the  gloom 
of  that  long  and  anxious  night,  and  a  presaging  si 
lence  prevailed  throughout  the  camp.  Who  might 
know  what  the  day  would  bring  forth  ?  All  seemed 
wrapt  in  the  deep  consciousness  that  a  battle  was  im 
minent.  But  what  the  result  ?  The  question  was 
inwardly  asked  by  many ;  but  as  orders  to  advance 
were  received,  the  answer  must  be  sought  upon  the 
battle-field ;  it  must  be  written  by  dying  fingers  in 
characters  of  blood. 

One  after  another  of  the  regiments  left  the  late  biv 
ouac,  the  Third  brigade,  in  which  was  the  "  iNinth," 
remaining  in  the  reserve ;  and  soon  came  the  sound 
of  musketry,  like  the  intermittent  rolls  and  flams  of 
a  drum ;  "  the  cannon's  awful  breath  screaming  the 
loud  halloo  of  death,"  was  borne  to  the  waiting  ears 
through  the  hollow  wood.  But  what  is  that  distant 
murmur,  increasing  and  swelling  on  the  heavy  air  ? 
"  They  cheer — 'tis  a  victory,"  cried  the  reserve,  with 
enthusiasm,  taking  up  the  cheer  with  renewed  vigor. 
A  lull  was  perceptible  in  the  firing,  as  though  both 
forces  were  drawing  nearer  under  cover,  and  then  it 
seemed  that  the  conflict  suddenly  burst  out  again 
with  increased  violence,  as  if  the  foes  had  grappled 
together  in  their  rage. 

The  battle  was   still   continuous,   and   about  ten 


74  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

o'clock  A.M.,  the  Third  brigade  was  sent  for,  and  they 
began  to  advance,  the  Hawkins  Zouaves  taking  the 
lead,  with  them  and  at  their  head  the  heroic  Lieut.-Col- 
onel  M.  De  Monteuil.  The  road  leading  to  the  scene 
of  action  was  narrow  and  tortuous,  and  it  was  fre 
quently  necessary  to  undouble  files  in  order  to  make 
room  for  the  wounded,  who  were  now  being  brought 
in.  It  was  a  pitiable  sight,  but  it  gave  birth  to  a 
resolution  that  determined  to  gain  a  victory  worthy 
of  such  blood ;  and  the  "  Ninth "  pushed  forward 
with  a  nervous  anxiety  to  grasp  the  rebel  foe  by  the 
throat.  They  were  now  close  upon  the  marsh,  where 
the  battle  was  roaring  with  unabated  fury,  the  bullets 
of  the  enemy  beginning  to  fly  about,  striking  the 
trees  or  whistling  deep  in  the  forest.  But  the  field 
of  conflict  could  not  yet  be  seen  by  the  Zouaves,  so 
dense  was  the  wood.  A  reporter  was  observed  be 
hind  a  tree  securely  making  his  notes.  General 
Parke  was  in  great  glee,  using  his  sword  as,  pointing 
out  the  way,  he  said  :  "  That's  right !  come  on  !  we 
have  plenty  of  men  ;  more  than  we  know  what  to  do 
with — the  day  will  be  ours." 

On  they  advance,  the  head  of  the  column  is  near 
the  clearing,  the  bullets  and  shot  getting  thicker. 
The  Zouaves  will  never  forget  the  words  of  General 
Foster :  "  Now  is  the  time,  and  you  are  the  men : 
charge  the  battery  !"  Upon  either  hand  the  Massa 
chusetts  *and  Connecticut  troops  gave  way  to  make 
room  for  them,  crying  :  "  Here  come  the  Ked-caps  ! 
they  are  going  to  charge  !"  "  Come  on !  you  are  the 
men!"  etc.  The  reply  that  many  of  the  Zouaves 
gave,  as  they  hurried  forward  on  the  double-quick, 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  75 

was  :  "  That  is  no  way  to  fight,  lying  in  the  grass 
like  snakes ;  why  don't  you  get  up  and  fight  like 
men  ?" 

The  orders  Colonel  Hawkins  received  were  to  en 
deavor  to  flank  the  enemy  on  their  left ;  and  for  this 
purpose  he  led  the  regiment  a  short  distance  off  the 
"  causeway "  into  the  swamp.  The  utter  impassa- 
bility  of  the  morass  and  dbattis  immediately  assured 
him  that  a  different  programme  must  be  pursued,  and 
that  without  deliberation.  He  suddenly  conceived 
the  resolution  of  making  a  desperate  charge  upon  the 
enemy,  and  he  knew  this  must  be  done  without  de 
lay,  or  suffer  the  severe  punishment  inflicted  upon  the 
troops  lying  in  the  wood  under  the  heavy  fire  of  the 
rebel  battery.  He  turned  the  head  of  the  column 
again  upon  the  narrow  road  leading  through  the 
swamp,  and  the  only  available  means  of  access  to  the 
battery.  For  a  few  moments  past  all  firing  had 
ceased,  and  the  stillness  of  death  sat  like  a  spectre 
upon  the  battlefield.  At  this  instant  Lieut.-Colonel 
Belts  came  up  to  Colonel  Hawkins,  and  said  :  "  I 
think,  Colonel,  we  had  better  charge  the  battery." 
"  Tell  Flockton  to  sound  the  charge,"  was  the  Colo 
nel's  reply.  Major  Kimball  was  standing  off  the 
"  causeway  "  in  the  mud  and  water  up  to  his  waist ; 
Chaplain  Conway  was  near  the  head  of  the  regiment. 
The  thunder  of  the  "  red  artillery "  reopened  the 
combat,  and  the  moment  the  Zouaves  beheld  the  puff 
of  smoke  from  the  embrasures,  every  man  prostrated 
himself  upon  his  face  with  the  quickness  of  thought, 
and  with  a  whirl  of  awful  destruction,  the  grape  and 
canister  sped  overhead  and  lodged  in  the  wood  be- 


76.  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

hind,  scattering  death  in  the  ranks  of  the  regiments 
there  stationed. 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  the  brave  De  Monteuil 
received  a  ball  in  the  forehead,  and  fell  with  his  face 
to  the  foe.  His  death  was  deeply  regretted  by  all 
the  men. 

All  this  occupied  but  a  few  moments,  and  when 
Colonel  Hawkins  had  again  reached  the  "  causeway  " 
with  the  head  of  the  column,  he  saw  Major  Kimball 
coming  in  on  the  charge  with  the  left  wing  of  the 
regiment.  While  the  smoke  from  the  enemy's  guns 
still  mantled  their  works,  the  clear  sound  of  the 
bugle-notes  was  heard,  and  the  Zouaves  sprang 
again  to  their  feet,  and  shouting  the  war-cry  of  "  Zoo- 
zoo-zoo  !"  both  wings  of  the  regiment  rushed  on  to 
gether,  many  of  the  men  in  the  onset  being  jostled 
from  the  roadway  into  the  deep  mud  and  water  on 
either  hand ;  they  soon  reached  the  moat  filled  with 
water,  into  which  they  sprang,  and  began  climbing 
up  the  enemy's  battery.  By  their  alacrity  every  ob 
stacle  was  overcome,  and  pushing  or  pulling  each 
other  up  on  the  parapet,  (accomplishing  a  feat  which 
the  enemy  had  thought  impossible,)  upon  which  the 
colors  were  planted,  they  drove  the  rebels  from  their 
guns  before  they  had  time  to  reload  and  pour  into  the 
Zouaves  a  second  volley.'* 

It  was  ^>ne  of  the  most  imposing  sights,  as  well 

as    THE  FIRST  BAYONET-CHAEGE    OF   THE    WAE.       A  pris- 

oner  after  the  battle  said  :  "  It  was  perfectly  frightful 
to  witness  the  mad  career  in  which  the  Zouaves  ad 
vanced  upon  a  work,  which,  until  that  moment,  every 

*  Note  F  in  Appendix. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  77 

one  in  it  had  supposed  to  be  impregnable.  But  yon 
did  not  whip  us  ont ;  yon  only  scart  us  out,  that's 
all!" 

The  Colonel  immediately  re-formed  the  regiment, 
and  pressed  forward  in  pursuit  of  the  flying  rebels. 
Mud,  water,  and  under-brush  were  passed  through, 
and  they  at  length  reached  the  marshy  shore  of  Shal- 
lowback  Bay,  where  they  saw  a  portion  of  the  enemy 
endeavoring  to  make  their  escape  in  small  boats  to 
Nag's  Head.  The  only  boat  that  could  be  reached 
with  musketry  was  hailed  ;  but  as  it  disregarded  the 
summons  and  failed  to  put  about,  a  volley  was  poured 
into  it  by  Company  G,  which  proved  so  effective  that 
a  number  of  the  fugitives  were  wounded,  and  the  boat 
came  to  suddenly,  and  slowly  returned  to  the  island. 
Among  the  captured  was  O.  Jennings  Wise,  son  of 
the  virulent  rebel  ex-governor  of  Virginia. 

In  the  mean  time  General  Foster,  with  his  brigade, 
had  also  pursued  the  flying  host,  and  forced  them  to 
capitulate  on  unconditional  terms ;  and  as  the  "  Ninth" 
stacked  their  arms  near  the  house  of  Mr.  Jarvis,  sev 
eral  of  the  captor  regiments  passed,  and  cheered 
heartily  for  the  "  charge  of  the  Zouaves."  O.  J.  Wise, 
who  had  received  several  wounds,  was  carried  by  to 
the  house,  and  as  he  passed,  said,  addressing  the 
"Ninth":  "You  are  the  only  men  who  fought  to 
day."  Afterward,  in  conversation  with  Major  Kim- 
ball,  and  just  before  his  death,  which  occurred  in  the 
afternoon  of  Sunday,  the  9th,  he  stated  with  confi 
dence  that  the  battery  could  have  defied  all  the  troops 
on  the  island  for  several  days,  had  the  fighting  against 
it  been  carried  on  in  the  manner  it  was  during  the 


78  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

morning  until  the  approach  of  the  "  Bed-caps."  They 
felt  able  to  resist  the  bushwhacking  style  of  those 
troops  lying  in  the  wood,  and  felt  comparatively  se 
cure  up  to  the  time  that  the  Zouaves  rushed  out  of 
the  wood  upon  the  "causeway,"  and  what  little  doubt 
this  gave  was  banished  when  they  saw  the  regiment 
prostrated  by  the  grape  and  canister,  as  he  supposed, 
utterly  annihilated.  But  when  they  again  sprang 
to  their  feet,  and  madly  rushed  along  the  "  cause 
way,"  the  rebels  fled,  more  alarmed  than  hurt.  "  We 
were  actually  frightened  from  our  position." 

The  question  has  often  been  asked,  "  Did  Colonel 
Hawkins  participate  in  the  charge  on  the  rebel  bat 
tery,  and  if  he  did,  why  is  it  that  his  name  is  not 
associated  with  the  victory,  and  Major  Kimball  only 
is  usually  represented  as  having  led  the  Zouaves  for 
ward  so  bravely  ? "  A  reply  is  not  difficult  for  one 
acquainted  with  the  precise  facts  of  the  affair,  though 
it  may  involve  other  questions  less  important.  Colo 
nel  Hawkins's  report  of  the  battle  certainly  removes 
all  doubt  that  he  was  present  in  the  engagement. 
That  he  acted  less  than  bravely  the  gallant  heroes 
he  led  will  not  admit.  From  this,  then,  those  who 
present  the  question  may  conclude  that  it  might  be 
love  of  modesty,  or  it  might  be  fear  of  self-praise, 
that  prohibits  his  own  name  from  standing  foremost. 
It  will  be  seen  that  the  report  of  the  affair,  while 
desirous  of  giving  due  credit  to  the  gallant  Major, 
can  not  abstain  from  according  just  praise  to  all  in 
the  regiment,  both  officers  and  men. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  79 

ROANOKE  ISLAND,  N.  C.,  February  9,  1862. 
BRIG. -GENERAL  JOHN  G.  PARKE  : 

GENERAL  :  Agreeably  to  your  orders,  my  regiment  disem 
barked  from  the  transports  and  landed  upon  the  island  on  the 
evening  of  the  7th  inst.  The  next  morning  the  Ninth  New- 
York  Volunteers,  with  other  regiments  of  your  brigade,  were 
ordered  out  to  reinforce  the  brigades  of  Generals  Reno  and  Fos 
ter,  which  had  been  engaged  for  about  two  and  a  half  hours. 
Upon  reaching  the  battle-ground  I  was  ordered  to  outflank  the 
enemy  on  their  left,  where  they  were  in  position  behind  an  in- 
trenchment  mounting  three  guns.  After  leading  the  Ninth  New- 
York  into  a  marsh,  immediately  in  front  of  the  enemy's  work, 
amidst  a  heavy  fire  from  them  of  grape  and  musketry,  the  order 
was  given  to  charge  the  rebels  with  fixed  bayonets.  This  was 
done  in  gallant  style,  Major  Kimball  taking  the  lead.  The  ene 
my's  works  were  soon  carried,  and  hastily  abandoned  by  them. 
All  officers  and  men  of  the  regiment  behaved  with  great  gallantry 
and  bravery  ;  it  is  impossible  to  say  who  is  most  deserving,  or 
who  merits  the  most  applause.  In  my  opinion  all  deserve  credit 
and  praise  alike. 

After  this  we  were  ordered  to  pursue  the  rebels,  which  we 
did,  and  succeeded  in  taking  some  forty  prisoners ;  among  them 
were  several  officers  and  men  of  the  "Richmond  Blues,"  who 
had  composed  a  part  of  the  "Wise  Legion,"  with  Captain  0. 
Jennings  Wise  at  their  head,  who  was  badly  wounded,  and  was 
trying  to  make  his  escape  across  to  Nag's  Head. 

I  regret  that  I  have  to  report  the  death  of  M.  De  Monteuil, 
Lieut.-Colonel  of  the  D'Epaneuil  Zouaves,  who  went  into  the 
field  with  the  Ninth  New- York  as  a  volunteer.  He  was  killed 
instantly  while  nobly  urging  my  men  on  to  the  charge.  He 
dies  greatly  lamented  by  all  the  officers  and  men  of  the  regi 
ment  who  «ame  in  contact  with  him.  His  bravery  was  as  great 
as  his  patriotism  was  sincere,  and  I  can  not  but  feel  that  had  he 
lived  he  would  have  proved  a  most  valuable  officer. 

The  Ninth  New-York  had  two  lieutenants  and  thirteen  privates 
wounded.  Very  respectfully  yours,  etc., 

RUSH  C.  HAWKINS, 
Colonel  Ninth  New- York  Volunteers. 


80  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

After  the  "Ninth"  had  stacked  their  arms  in  Jar- 
vis's  corn-field,  and  were  assured  that  all  fighting  was 

'  O  O 

over  with  for  that  day,  and  a  guard  was  securely  set 
around,  they  began  to  build  their  camp-fires  by  which 
they  might  warm  themselves,  and  dry  some  of  the 
wetness  from  their  clothing,  although  it  had  scarcely 
done  raining,  nor  did  it  entirely  cease  until  the  next 
day.  They  crowded  around  the  cheering  blaze,  hold 
ing  their  shoes  and  socks  over  it  on  sticks,  and  talked 
of  and  listened  to  the  different  stories  of  the  battle. 
Major  Kimball  took  great  delight  in  expressing  him 
self,  as  an  old  soldier  and  capable  of  judging,  in  re 
gard  to  their  creditable  conduct  in  the  fight,  and  said 
he  had  seen  the  commander  of  a  gunboat  who  prais- 
ingly  told  him  that  when  the  fleet  received  intelli- 

O   t/ 

gence  of  their  daring  charge,  every  vessel  sent  up 
a  prolonged  shout  and  cheer  for  the  "Hawkins 
Zouaves,"  not  merely  because  they  made  the  charge, 
but  because  the  charge  was  made  so  well ;  and, 
although  they  appreciated  the  noble  bearing  and 
behavior  of  all  the  troops,  they  could  not  withhold 
the  separate  praise  won  by  distinguished  merit,  no 
matter  who  the  deserving  parties  were. 

As  they  anticipated  remaining  over  night  in  the 
neighborhood  of  their  present  bivouac,  they  began  to 
cast  about  for  some  means  of  protection  from  the 
weather,  from  which  they  had  already  suffered  a 
great  deal.  A  sufficient  number  from  each  mess 
built  the  required  shelter,  making  usually  a  frame 
work,  and  then  a  covering  with  pinebrush ;  the  bed 
ding  of  whatever  material  was  most  readily  procured 
in  the  adjoining  wood.  That  night  was  passed  upon 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  81 

the  ground  in  a  most  uncomfortable  manner,  the 
greater  number  of  the  men  being  still  wet.  Many 
and  widely  different  were  the  disagreeable  experiences 
of  that  Saturday  night.  But  no  complaints  were 
heard — the  men  rather  liked  the  hardships  they  were 
called  upon  to  endure,  for  their  present  life  was  truly 
that  of  the  soldier's  in  actual  service ;  and  we  only 
allude  to  these  privations  and  the  condition  of  the 
weather  from  the  fact  that  such  are  too  often  over 
looked  in  both  the  public  and  private  histories  of 
soldiers'  lives.  Few  battles  are  fought  in  pleasant 
weather,  and  fighting  is  not  the  hardest  work  a  sol 
dier  does. 

On  the  following  day  the  Zouaves  bethought  them 
that  something  for  the  inner  man  would  be  agreeable. 
Few  of  the  men  had  any  thing  in  haversack,  and  they 
anxiously  looked  for  the  arrival  of  meat,  coffee,  and 
crackers.  But  none  came,  and  as  foraging  was  not 
generally  allowed,  it  required  considerable  patience 
and  forbearance  to  resist  the  demands  of  hunger. 
Some  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  meagre  supply  for 
themselves,  but  the  majority  still  wanted. 

In  their  peregrinations  through  the  woods  they  fre 
quently  came  upon  straggling  rebels ;  and  it  was  an 
amusing  sight  to  see  a  little  Zouave  enter  camp  bring 
ing  as  captives  two  large  and  stalwart  "  Johnnies," 
one  in  either  hand. 

The  regiment  received  orders  to  move,  and  after 
dinner — if  such  a  nominality  can  be  pardoned  where 
there  is  nothing  to  eat — the  right  wing  marched  to  a 
different  part  of  the  island ;  and  about  dark  the  left 
wing  went  below  near  a  hospital,  and  not  far  from  the 


82  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

" nine-gun  battery;"  in  allusion  to  which  we  insert 
the  following  from  a  soldier's  letter : 

"Before  dark  on  the  evening  of  Sunday  we  moved  our  camp 
near  three  miles  away,  by  a  hospital  on  the  Croatan  shore.  It 
was  in  a  beautiful  open  forest  of  tall  pines,  on  high  ground,  and 
through  the  trees  we  could  look  out  upon  the  waters  of  the 
Sound.  I  observed  that  the  trees  were  barked  and  broken  by 
shot  and  shell — one  large  pine  lying  upon  the  ground  by  its 
severed  stump.  Our  Major  came  down,  and  as  he  crowded  up 
to  the  fire  said  :  '  Sergeant,  have  you  a  cracker  to  give  me  ? '  I 
replied  that  I  was  not  in  possession  of  such  a  thing.  Corporal 
Fisher  and  I  went  down  to  the  battery,  and  while  passing  through 
the  camp  of  the  Tenth  Connecticut,  one  of  the  Fourth  Rhode 
Island  had  on  a  red  flannel  cap,  which  was  meant  to  resemble 
OUT  fez,  but  in  reality  looked  like  a  fool's-cap,  and  one  of  the 
"Tenth"  said:  '  There,  you  may  as  well  take  that  red  thing  off 
your  head,  for  you  can't  pass  yourself  off  for  one  of  the  Zoo-zoos.' 
They  asked  us  if  we  had  much  to  eat,  and  upon  receiving  our 
reply  that  for  the  past  two  days  we  had  only  what  we  could 
pick  up,  they  bade  us  sit  down,  and  then  they  alternately  pressed 
us  with  meat,  crackers,  sweet  potatoes,  and  coffee,  and  talked  of 
the  death  of  their  Colonel,  (Russell,)  killed  in  the  fight ;  and 
when  we  left  them  they  gave  us  all  the  compliments  and  potatoes 
we  could  carry ;  and  when  we  got  back  to  camp,  found  that  some 
few  tents  had  been  procured.  I  could  not  sleep  for  the  rheu 
matic  pains  I  had ;  and  I  was  but  one  of  a  great  number  thus 
afflicted  for  the  third  night  in  drenched  clothing." 

In  the  forenoon  of  the  succeeding  day  the  regiment 
was  marched  to  the  beach  of  Croatan,  "  while  the  snow 
fell  thick  and  fast,  but  scarcely  touched  the  ground. 
They  drank  some  of  the  water  and  found  it  to  be 
fresh."  The  different  companies  were  rowed  to  their 
several  quarters  upon  the  steamers,  etc.  in  small  boats. 
Shortly  after  removing  their  equipments,  Companies 


THEIR   BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  83 

B  and  H  were  sent  for  to  go  on  a  reconnoissance. 
""We  had  been  in  our  old  quarters  only  about  an 
hour,  and  our  coffee  and  meat  was  all  but  ready  for 
us,  when  we  were  ordered  away  and  had  to  leave  it, 
hungry  and  tired  as  we  were,  to  go  on  board  the 
Picket."  Subjoined  is  a  portion  of  a  report  made  by 
Colonel  Hawkins : 

STEAMER  VIRGINIA,  February  11,  1862. 
BRIG.-GENERAL  J.  G.  PARKE: 

GENERAL  :  In  accordance  with  orders  received  from  you  on  the 
10th  inst.,  I  proceeded  with  two  companies  of  the  Ninth  New- 
York  Volunteers  on  board  the  steamer  Picket  to  Nag's  Head, 
and  this  morning  landed  at  the  wharf  opposite  to  where  the 
hotel  formerly  stood.  I  learned  that  General  Wise  left  there 
about  an  hour  and  a  half  before  sundown  last  Saturday,  taking 
with  him  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  men  belonging  to  the 
"  Wise  Legion."  .  .  Wise,  in  order  to  carry  out  the  plans  of 
the  vandals  and  ruffians,  (the  tribe  to  which  he  belongs,)  burned 
the  hotel  and  several  of  the  residences,  destroying  a  large  amount 
of  property  but  little  use  to  any  one. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

RUSH  C.  HAWKINS, 
Colonel  Ninth  New- York  Volunteers. 

The  members  of  Companies  B  and  H  were  treated 
with  great  kindness  by  Captain  Ives  and  the  other 
officers  of  the  ticket,  and  after  receiving  their  coffee- 
and  crackers,  sang  with  as  much  glee  as  though  they 
were  snugly  at  home,  although  at  the  time  it  rained 
and  snowed  furiously.  The  boat  was  crowded,  but 
they  all  disposed  of  themselves  for  the  night,  as  sol 
diers  will.  One  sergeant  slept  astraddle  of  the  en 
gine-shaft,  and  many  others  disposed  of  themselves  in 
equally  uncouth  positions. 


84  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

After  the  reconnoissance  had  accomplished  all  that 
was  necessary,  the  steamer  returned,  and  Companies 
B  and  H  went  to  their  respective  quarters. 

The  regiment  was  now  allowed  a  little  time  to  en 
joy  the  honor  it  had  won,  and  did  it  by  a  studious 
endeavor  to  so  improve  themselves  that  any  future 
occasion  would  find  them  qualified  as  well  as  willing 
for  the  performance  of  their  duty.  But  they  were 
shortly  again  destined  to  be  moved  toward  the 
enemy. 

It  was  rumored  among  the  fleet,  that,  at  a  town 
called  Winton,  far  up  the  Chowan  river,  there  were 
about  four  hundred  loyal  North-Carolinians  ready  to 
join  our  forces,  and  very  desirous  of  doing  so,  if  they 
were  only  assured  that  their  services  would  be  accept 
ed,  and  that  they  would  receive  the  essential  protec 
tion  and  means  of  transportation  within  the  Union 
lines.  It  was  generally  thought  that  the  rumor  had  a 
truthful  foundation,  for  it  was  largely  known  among 
the  intelligent  soldiers  that  there  were  a  great  many 
true  Union  men  in  the  State  suffering  bitterly  from 
the  tyranny  and  brutality  of  the  vigilance  and  con 
scripting  committees  that  infested  the  country ;  and 
every  effort  to  rescue  these  men  from  the  rebel  army, 
and  thereby  weaken  it,  would  be  hailed  with  joyous 
approval  by  the  soldiers. 

Almost  immediately  following  this  rumor,  upon 
the  16th  day  of  February,  an  order  came  from  Brig.- 
General  Parke  to  Colonel  Hawkins,  commanding  him 
to  be  ready  to  move  his  regiment  at  an  hour's  notice, 
and  to  confer  with  Commodore  Rowan,  United  States 
Navy,  commanding  Naval  Division,  (steamer  Dela- 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  85 

ware,)  etc.,  etc.  The  arrangements  for  a  new  move 
ment  had  been  completed,  and  the  "Ninth"  was 
transferred  to  the  gunboats  preparatory  to  moving. 
The  expedition  was  composed  of  the  flag-ship  Dela 
ware,  Com.  Barney,  Com.  Perry,  Hunchback,  Morse, 
Ceres,  and  Lockwood,  carrying  in  all  thirty-three 
guns,  under  the  command  of  Commodore  Stephen  C. 
Rowan,  and  the  land  forces  under  command  of  Colo 
nel  Hawkins.  At  12  M.  on  the  18th,  the  whole  fleet 
got  under  way  for  the  mouth  of  the  Chowan  river. 

While  proceeding  up  the  Albemarle  Sound  the 
Hunchback  struck  a  sand-bar  in  shallow  water,  upon 
which  she  resolved  to  take  a  brief  rest.  Her  engines 
were  plied  to  no  effect,  seeing  which  the  captain  de 
termined  upon  a  novel  mode  of  extricating  his  vessel. 
The  upper  deck  of  the  Hunchback  being  very  high, 
several  companies  were  placed  upon  it  and  arranged 
along  its  starboard  side.  At  the  word  "port"  from 
the  captain,  they  all  rushed  across  the  deck  to  the 
port  side,  and  again  upon  the  word  "starboard," 
rushed  back ;  and  so  to  and  fro  they  rocked  the 
steamer,  her  engines  working  with  full  force  the 
while,  until  after  many  repeated  efforts  she  was 
finally  moved  from  the  sand-bed;  and  overtaking 
the  expedition  which  had  proceeded  ahead,  anchored 
with  it  that  night. 

The  fleet  got  under  way  once  more  about  10  A.M.  the 
following  day,  and  with  considerable  speed  steamed 
up  the  Chowan  river.  The  soldiers  observed  the 
peculiar  color  of  the  water,  which  about  Edenton 
and  above  had  a  light  salmon  tint,  inclining  to  an 
impure  pink.  Toward  the  latter  part  of  the  after- 
5 


86  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

noon  of  the  19th,  and  when  but  a  short  distance  from 
the  town  of  Winton,  heavy  firing  was  heard  in  ad 
vance  of  the  main  portion  of  the  expedition,  as  of 
shots  being  exchanged,  and  not  long  after  the  flag- 
boat  Delaware  came  running  down  the  stream  with 
unusual  speed,  closely  followed  by  the  Commodore 
Perry,  and  the  whole  fleet  turned  about  and  proceed 
ed  in  her  wake  until  eight  or  ten  miles  below,  when 
all  came  to  anchor  where  the  river  had  materially 
widened. 

Up  to  this  time  the  troops  had  not  learned  the 
purpose  of  the  expedition,  but  upon  the  morning  of 
the  20th,  it  was  not  further  concealed  from  them. 
The  men  were  provided  with  small  packages  of  oak 
um  and  kindling-wood,  and  it  was  then  ascertained 
that  they  were  to  burn  the  bridges  of  the  Roanoke 
and  Seaboard  Railroad  across  the  Nottoway  and 
Blackwater  rivers. 

The  fleet  started  again  up  the  Chowan,  and  upon 
arriving  at  "Winton,  the  town  and  woods  in  the  vicin 
ity  were  shelled  briskly  for  about  twenty  minutes, 
after  which  the  troops  landed,  and  failing  to  discover 
the  enemy,  but  obtaining  evidence  of  very  recent 
occupation,  and  that  the  place  was  being  used  as  a 
military  post,  it  was  fired  and  then  left. 

It  having  been  erroneously  circulated  by  many  per 
sons,  whose  apparent  object  was  to  injure  the  reputa 
tion  of  a  body  of  men,  who,  in  point  of  discipline 
and  morality  acknowledged  no  rival,  that  the  burning 
of  Winton  was  a  piece  of  vandalism  too  horrible  to 
associate  with  the  honorable  purposes  of  the  war,  we 
deem  it  proper  to  lay  the  fact  before  the  reader,  in 


THEIR  BATTLES  AXD  MARCHES.  87 

justice  to  the  memory  of  those  who  have  since  fallen 
in  defense  of  their  country,  and  out  of  respect  to  the 
affliction  of  those  who  still  mourn  their  loss,  and  to 
refute  the  calumnious  assertion.  Below  we  give  the 
official  report  of  Colonel  Hawkins,  from  which  all 
may  readily  perceive  that  the  burning  of  Winton  was 
justifiable,  necessary,  and  of  manifest  service  to  the 
country ;  and  that  it  was  done  upon  proper  author 
ity;  was  accomplished  in  order;  and  that  the  only 
piece  of  vandalism  connected  with  the  event  was  the 
loss  of  some  few  geese,  and  several  boxes  of  tobacco. 
Upon  the  21st,  the  fleet  again  anchored  in  its 
old  position  in  Croatan  Sound,  off  Roanoke  Island, 
and  Colonel  Hawkins  immediately  sent  his  report  to 
the  Commanding  General : 

STEAMER  VIRGINIA,  ROANOKE  ISLAND,  N.  C., 

February  21,  1862. 
BRIG. -GENERAL  J.  G.  PARKE: 

GENERAL  :  In  accordance  with  your  orders  of  the  16th  instant, 
I  called  upon  Commodore  Rowan,  and  made  arrangements  to 
embark  my  regiment  on  board  some  of  the  gunboats  of  his  divi 
sion,  for  the  purpose  of  proceeding  up  the  Blackwater  and  Not- 
toway  rivers,  and  destroying  the  bridges  over  them  of  the  Ro- 
anoke  and  Seaboard  Railroad. 

At  twelve  o'clock  M.  of  the  18th  instant,  the  regiment  was 
embarked,  and  the  expedition  got  under  way,  and  that  night 
anchored  off  the  mouth  of  the  Roanoke  river,  where  it  remained 
until  ten  A.M.  of  the  following  day,  and  then  commenced  its 
advance  up  the  Chowan  river.  Nothing  of  importance  occurred 
till  about  half  past  three  o'clock  P.M.,  the  flag-steamer  Delaware 
being  one  mile  ahead  of  any  of  the  other  boats.  I  was  on  the 
cross-trees  of  the  mainmast,  where  I  had  been  on  the  lookout 
for  about  two  hours,  and  the  steamer  was  within  three  hundred 


88  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

and  fifty  yards  of  the  wharf  at  Winton,  when  I  discovered  that 
the  high  bank  we  were  rapidly  approaching  was  covered  with 
Confederate  soldiers.  I  immediately  gave  the  alarm,  but  not  in 
time  to  change  the  course  of  the  boat  until  she  had  got  within 
one  hundred  yards  of  the  shore,  when  we  received  the  fire  of 
seven  hundred  infantry,  or  more,  which  continued  until  we 
had  passed  up  the  river  out  of  range ;  when  we  turned  about 
and  began  shelling  the  town,  the  enemy  returning  the  fire  with 
four  pieces  of  field  artillery  from  the  shore.  In  the  mean  time 
the  gunboat  Perry,  having  come  within  range,  opened  upon  the 
rebels  from  below.  Soon  after  the  enemy  was  dislodged,  and 
retired,  when  the  Delaware  returned  down  the  river,  receiving 
four  shots  as  she  passed  the  wharf.  The  whole  fleet  came  to 
anchor  about  seven  miles  below  Winton.  A  consultation  was 
held,  and  it  was  then  agreed  to  advance  again  next  morning  and 
burn  the  town,  if  found  occupied  by  the  enemy. 

About  half  past-eleven  o'clock  A.M.  of  the  20th  instant,  our 
gunboats  arrived  at  and  took  their  positions,  some  above,  some 
opposite,  and  others  below  the  town,  when  the  guns  commenced 
firing,  giving  the  place  an  effective  shelling,  and  in  about  twenty 
minutes  my  regiment  landed,  accompanied  by  three  boat-guns 
under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Flusser,  of  the  Commodore 
Perry.  The  guns  were  placed  in  position  so  as  to  command  the 
approaches  to  the  town,  and  the  regiment  was  drawn  up  in  line 
awaiting  the  attack  of  the  enemy.  In  the  mean  time  parties  of 
observation  and  scouts  were  sent  out  in  all  directions.  It  was 
soon  ascertained  that  the  rebels  had  retreated  as  soon  as  our 
forces  came  in  sight  that  morning,  leaving  every  thing  behind, 
excepting  arms  and  accoutrements.  Six  companies  of  my  regi 
ment  took  possession  of  the  main  approach  to  the  town,  and  I 
commenced  making  a  personal  inspection  of  all  the  buildings.  I 
found  that  nearly  the  whole  had  been  taken  possession  of  and 
occupied  by  the  confederate  troops  as  quarters  and  store-houses. 
I  then  ordered  that  every  building  containing  stores  for  the  ene 
my  or  used  by  them  as  quarters  should  be  fired,  and  placed 
guards  in  the  others  to  see  that  they  were  not  disturbed  or  de^ 
stroyed. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  89 

The  property  consumed  belonging  to  the  confederate  forces 
consisted  of  bacon,  corn,  meal,  sugar,  powder,  mess-pans,  camp- 
kettles,  haversacks,  canteens,  etc.,  etc.,  the  whole  worth  not  less 
than  $10,000. 

This,  I  believe,  is  the  first  instance  during  the  war  where  on 
our  side  fire  had  accompanied  the  sword.  It  is  to  be  regretted 
that  such  severe  measures  have  to  be  resorted  to ;  they  can  only 
be  justified  on  the  grounds, 

First.  Retaliation,  for  trying  to  decoy  us  in  a  trap  at  the  time 
of  firing  into  the  Delaware.  Evidence  of  this  is,  that  a  negress, 
the  property  of  one  of  the  confederate  officers,  was  sent  down 
to  the  wharf  by  her  master  to  beckon  us  into  the  landing, 
when  we  were  all  to  be  slaughtered,  or  in  the  words  of  the 
negress,  "Dey  said  dat  dey  want  gwine  to  let  any  body  lib  at  all, 
but  was  gwine  to  kill  ebery  one  ob  'em."  We  were  to  have 
received  no  quarter. 

Second.  The  buildings  fired  had  been  used  by  the  rebel  forces 
as  store-houses  and  quarters. 

From  information  obtained  at  Winton,  we  came  to  the  conclu 
sion  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  accomplish  the  original  object 
and  aim  of  the  expedition,  so  it  had  to  be  abandoned. 

The  forces  at  Winton,  as  near  as  I  could  ascertain,  consisted 
of  six  companies  of  the  First  Battalion  North-Carolina  Volun 
teers  under  command  of  Lieut.-Colonel  William  T.  Williams, 
one  battery  of  light  artillery,  one  company  of  the  Southampton 
cavalry,  and  one  or  two  companies  of  the  North- Carolina  militia; 
the  whole  under  the  charge  of  Lieut.-Colonel  Williams. 

I  am  happy  to  inform  you  that  none  of  our  forces  were  injured. 
The  enemy  sustained  some  considerable  loss  from  the  fire  of  our 
gunboats  on  the  19th,  but  I  am  not  able  to  state  how  many  were 
either  killed  or  wounded. 

The  troops  under  my  command  and  the  officers  and  sailors  of 
the  gunboats  behaved  exceedingly  well,  and  performed  all  of 
their  various  duties  with  promptness  and  alacrity. 

I  feel  greatly  indebted  to  Commodore  S.  C.  Rowan  and  the 
Lieutenants  in  command  of  the  gunboats  for  their  attention  to 


90  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

the  wants  and  comforts  of  my  regiment,  and  also  for  their  hearty 
cooperation  in  trying  to  carry  out  the  object  of  the  expedition. 
I  am  most  faithfully  your  obedient  servant, 

RUSH  C.  HAWKINS, 
Colonel  Ninth  New- York  Volunteers. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  91 


J 


XTH  : 


to  (ftemdon. 

THE  expedition  for  New-Berne  was  now  getting 
ready,  and  it  was  the  anticipation  of  the  Zouaves 
to  accompany  it  ;  but  when  the  order  came  for  them 
to  debark  and  take  up  their  quarters  upon  the  island, 
they  gave  over  all  hope  of  being  participants  in  it, 
and  resolved  to  resign  themselves  calmly  to  inactivity 
for  a  short  time,  no  matter  where,  if  it  was  consistent 
with  the  promotion  of  the  cause.  Upon  the  5th  day 
of  March  they  landed  and  took  possession  of  the  large 
and  commodious  barracks  which  the  rebels  had  con 
structed  that  they  might  remain  in  them  comfortably 
through  the  winter.  In  fact,  the  general  appearance 
of  the  fortifications  and  camps  occupied  by  the  rebels 
bore  indications  of  their  intention  to  prolong  their 
stay  upon  the  island  ;  but  the  "  cruel  Yankees  " 
wrested  from  them  all  that  they  had  labored  so  hard 
to  establish  and  construct,  and  interfered  with  their 
delusive  dreams  of  camp  enjoyment.  Incidents  of 
the  same  peculiar  nature  have  marvelously  succeeded 
each  other  throughout  the  war. 

O 

The  "  Ninth  "  appreciated  the  efforts  of  the  rebels 
to  provide  them  suitable  apartments  in  which  to  rest 
themselves  after  the  exertion  of  driving  the  enemy 


92  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

out.  A  thorough  renovation  was  given  to  every  thing 
about  camp,  and,  as  usual,  many  temporary  conveni 
ences  were  erected  immediately,  which  proves  that 
the  soldiers  have  become  adepts  in  the  art  of  accom 
modating  themselves  to  circumstances.  Upon  the  7th 
day  of  March  the  New-Berne  expedition  sailed,  and 
on  the  same  day  Colonel  Hawkins  assumed  command 
of  the  Fourth  brigade  and  post,  and  the  command  of 
the  u  Ninth  "  devolved  upon  Captain  Jardine,  who  a 
few  days  after  received  the  well-merited  promotion 
of  Major,  and  was  at  the  time  the  recipient  of  a  good 
serviceable  sword,  sash  and  belt,  from  his  late  com 
pany,  G. 

On  the  16th  of  the  same  month,  the  regiment  was 
presented  with  a  new  color  by  the  Common  Council 
of  the  city  of  New- York. 

Lieut.-Colonel  Kimball  returned  from  his  leave  of 
absence  on  the  24th,  having  received  the  new  commis 
sion  during  his  absence.  He  was  welcomed  back  as 
an  old  comrade,  with  nine  rousing  cheers,  and  then  a 
more  cordial  and  intimate  greeting  followed. 

Companies  H  and  I,  under  the  command  of  Major 
Jardine,  on  the  7th  of  April,  marched  down  to  Pork 
Point,  and  in  connection  with  six  companies  of  the 
Sixth  New-Hampshire  Volunteers,  the  whole  under 
the  charge  of  Lieut.-Colonel  Griffin  of  the  Sixth 
New-Hampshire  Volunteers,  went  aboard  the  gun 
boats,  which  immediately  steamed  across  the  Albe- 
marle,  and  up  the  Pasquotank  river  to  Elizabeth  City, 
where  the  two  companies  of  the  "  Ninth  "  landed  at 
four  o'clock  A.M.  of  the  8th,  while  four  companies  of 
the  New-Hampshire  Volunteers  did  the  same  six 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  93 

miles  above  the  city,  in  order  to  surprise,  and  if  pos 
sible  capture  a  body  of  rebels  known  to  be  there. 

Colonel  Hawkins's  official  .report  says :  "  They  sur 
prised  two  companies  of  the  rebel  North-Carolina 
militia,  who  fled  in  the  utmost  confusion,  casting  away 
their  arms  and  taking  to  the  woods.  Our  forces  close 
ly  pursued  them,  ai#l  succeeded  in  capturing  seventy- 
three  of  the  enemy,  belonging  to  the  First  Brigade, 
N.C.M.,  who  are  now  here  in  custody  awaiting  your 
orders.  A  quantity  of  munitions  were  taken.  Our 
forces  killed  a  noted  rebel  scout  by  the  name  of  Tim 
Gregory,  and  wounded  a  vidette — the  only  known 
loss  in  men  upon  either  side." 

The  prisoners  were  brought  to  Camp  Reno,  and 
guarded  by  the  "  Ninth."  As  described  by  a  diary, 
"  they  were  indeed  a  motley  set ;  some  had  straw 
hats,  others  felt  of  nearly  every  color;  many  had 
gray  coats,  some  black  ones,  others  brown,  one  none 
at  all ;  the  other  articles  of  dress  conformed  to  the 
same  variety.  A  little  white-haired  corporal,  (the 
highest  rank  among  them,)  about  fourteen  years  old, 
was  the  only  one  who  could  write  his  own  name.  I 
was  Sergeant  of  the  Guard  over  them,  and  allowed 
them  to  come  out  to  the  line  that  they  might  see  a 
dress-parade  worth  looking  at.  They  were  very  much 
pleased,  and  said  they  really  believed  it  was  of  no 
use  fighting  against  men  like  those."  They  all  took 
the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  were  sent  back  to  provide 
for  their  starving  families.  "  Mistaken  humanity  !" 

It  was  evident  that  the  rebel  authorities  anticipated 
some  demonstration  by  the  Union  forces  in  the  rear 
of  Norfolk  after  the  loss  to  their  arms  of  Roanoke  and 
5* 


94  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

vicinity ;  for  they  began  building  batteries  along  the 
canal  leading  to  that  place,  and  had  already  stationed 
a  force  of  men  at  a  place  called  South-Mills,  where  a 
bridge  crossed  on  the  road  to  Norfolk.  Colonel  Haw 
kins  writes  General  Burnside,  under  date  of  April 
ITth: 

"  My  command  has  been  ready  since  Tuesday  afternoon.  Yes 
terday  I  was  at  Elizabeth  City.  I  think  we  can  land  east  side 
of  the  river,  march  up  to  the  lock,  finish  the  work  of  the  canal, 
then  come  down  the  west  side  of  the  river  and  take  the  rebels  in 
the  rear.  While  one  party  is  destroying  the  lock,  another  could 
amuse  the  enemy  on  the  west  side  at  or  below  the  city,  and  an 
other  can  attack  them  in  the  rear.  The  force  on  the  east  side 
should  land  about  midnight,  so  as  to  be  well  at  their  work  by 
daylight.  We  could  then  finish  the  job,  and  be  upon  the  enemy 
by  one  o'clock  P.M.  I  am  satisfied  that  it  is  not  practicable  to 
land  at  the  other  canal.  After  we  are  debarked,  our  operations 
should  be  pushed  with  the  utmost  dispatch,  Norfolk  being  only 
four  hours  distant.  I  have  not  heard  any  more  about  the  forces 
since  the  Delaware  left,  but  think  there  are  about  three  thou 
sand,  with  eight  or  ten  pieces  of  artillery." 

General  Orders  ]STo.  12  commands  the  colonel  of 
each  regiment  to  hold  his  force  in  readiness  with  fifty 
rounds  ammunition,  three  days  rations,  axes  and  shov 
els.  One  section  orders : 

"  The  duty  which  this  force  is  now  called  upon  to  endure  be 
ing  dangerous  and  difficult,  and  it  having  a  very  long  and  ar 
duous  march  to  perform,  none  but  men  capable  of  undergoing 
the  greatest  fatigue  will  be  allowed  to  accompany  it. 

"  Commanding  officers  are  especially  enjoined  to  see  that  this 
part  of  the  order  is  strictly  enforced." 

On  the  18th  day  of  April  the  "  Ninth  "  left  Camp 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  95 

Reno  and  marched  down  to  Fort  Bartow  on  Pig 
Point,  being  equipped  in  light  marching  order,  but 
still  carrying  rather  a  heavy  load,  and  went  aboard 
the  steamer  Ocean  Wave,  lying  at  the  Ions:  dock, 

'       «/  O  O 

being  obliged  to  close  en  masse,  that  all  might  get  on. 
Five  other  regiments  were  already  embarked  on  the 
transports  anchored  there;  and  then  it  was  conject 
ured  the  expedition  might  be  a  formidable  one.  Col 
onel  Hawkins  was  on  the  wharf  directing  the  em 
barkation,  and  as  he  was  without  his  sword,  murmurs 
ran  through  the  regiment  that  he  was  not  going  ;  and 
the  men  appeared  quite  dissatisfied  at  the  idea,  for 
they  could  not  bear  the  thought  of  going  into  action 
without  him ;  but  when  Lieut. -Colonel  Kimball  as 
sured  them  that  their  Colonel  would  certainly  go,  they 
once  more  assumed  that  cheerfulness  they  were  so 
accustomed  to  when  about  to  start  upon  any  hazard 
ous  undertaking. 

At  about  one  o'clock  P.M.,  the  steamer  cast  loose 
and  put  about,  heading  for  Albemarle  Sound ;  at  the 
same  time  the  band  of  the  "  Ninth  "  burst  forth  with 
the  "  Star-Spangled  Banner  "  and  "  Yankee  Doodle." 
All  appeared  in  the  most  jubilant  spirits.  It  was  a 
beautiful  day,  and  the  sun  came  down  very  warm, 
just  sufficiently  to  neutralize  the  chill  from  the  water. 
The  Virginia  took  the  advance,  and  when  within 
about  ten  miles  of  Elizabeth  City  dropped  her  anchor. 
The  Ocean  Wave  followed  next,  and  just  about  dark 
lay  to  near  the  Virginia,  in  the  mouth  of  the  Pasquo- 
tank  river.  Not  long  after  could  be  seen  the  lights 
of  the  other  boats  fast  approaching.  About  eleven 
o'clock  P.M.  -they  all  started  ahead  again,  and  prepara- 


96  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

tions  were  now  made  for  landing  at  a  place  called 
Shantilly.  This  was  first  effected  by  the  "  Ninth  " 
rowing  in  small  boats  as  near  the  shore  as  advisable, 
and  then  plunging  into  the  water  up  to  their  waists, 
waded  the  rest  of  the  way.  Upon  reaching  the  shore, 
a  high  bank  loomed  up  in  the  darkness  before  them. 
Some  gained  the  ascent  by  jumping  upon  the  shoul 
ders  of  the  others,  and  these  in  turn  dragged  up  those 
below.  An  informant  says  he  was  pulled  up  near 
the  last,  and  the  bank  being  very  wet  and  slippery, 
he  was  "  coated "  by  its  mud  from  collar  to  boots. 
Two  videttes  posted  in  the  point  of  woods  on  the  left, 
fled  at  the  approach  of  the  Zouaves.  Line-of-battle 
was  formed  as  soon  as  possible,  and  the  .house  of  Silas 
Gregory  was  surrounded  and  taken  possession  of,  that 
none  might  escape  from  it  to  the  enemy. 

The  Sixth  New- Hampshire  Volunteers  landed  next, 
and  were  soon  followed  by  the  Eighty-ninth  New- 
York  Volunteers. 

At  a  quarter  past  three  o'clock  A.M.,  the  line  of 
march  was  taken  up,  the  "  Ninth  "  having  the  ad 
vance,  with  Company  B  on  the  right  of  the  line.  As 
they  were  passing  through  a  dark  wood,  the  advance- 
guard  fired  upon  the  rebel  pickets,  and,  without  in 
vestigating  the  mischief  inflicted,  passed  on.  They 
soon  emerged  into  an  open  field,  where  the  bright 
moonlight  sparkled  upon  the  stream  of  polished  bayo 
nets,  as  it  sometimes  dances  upon  the  water.  It  was 
sufficient  to  stir  the  heart  with  rapture  and  swell  it 
with  proud  sentiment  to  behold  these  men  silently 
but  bravely  setting  their  feet  forward  into  the  ene 
my's  very  lines,  where  the  foe  was  known  to  be  some- 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  97 

what  numerous,  and  momentarily  expected  to  dash 
upon  them  at  the  approach  of  every  spot  of  ground 
favorable  for  the  purpose  of  ambush. 

A  brief  rest  was  taken  at  daybreak,  at  which  time 
a  member  of  Company  H  was  accidentally  shot  over 
the  eye.  He  refused  to  be  conducted  back,  but,  tying 
up  the  wound,  started  on  the  way  again  with  his  com 
pany. 

A  negro  guide,  furnished  by  the  navy,  led  the  way, 
and  throughout  the  day  was  strongly  suspected  of 
leading  the  brigade  in  the  wrong  direction,  but  was 
plainly  told  that  he  would  be  shot  if  he  proved 
treacherous. 

After  the  column  had  passed  the  village  of  Shiloh 
on  the  right,  heavy  firing  was  heard  on  the  left,  which 
proceeded  from  the  gunboats,  which  had  passed  up 
the  canal  to  prevent  any  more  of  the  enemy  from 
crossing  the  bridge. 

It  was  now  the  object  to  get  the  column  up  to 
South-Mills  and  defeat  the  rebels  before  they  should 
have  time  to  receive  reinforcements  from  Norfolk,  or 
construct  works  of  defense  ;  and  the  men  now  pushed 
forward  more  rapidly  ;  and  as  the  sun  poured  down 
hotly,  and  the  roads  wrere  very  dusty,  the  "  arduous 
task  "  mentioned  at  the  outset  was  being  intensely 
felt  by  the  men.  t 

During  the  forenoon  another  brief  rest  was  allow 
ed,  and  the  hot  water  was  poured  from  the  canteens, 
which  were  again  filled  with  some  cool  and  refresh 
ing  ;  then  a  slim  repast  of  meat  and  hard  bread  was 
eaten. 


9S  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

Of  an  incident  by  the  way,  after  again  starting,  a 
correspondent  writes :  . 

"  At  length  we  came  near  a  fine  plantation,  and  our  guide  in 
formed  us  that  a  rebel  militia  captain  lived  there  ;  so  Lieut. -Colonel 
Kimball  ordered  Lieut.  Barnett  to  take  three  groups  off  the  right 
and  go  in  and  arrest  him.  As  they  entered  the  gate,  a  lady 
standing  on  the  piazza  began  to  scream  wildly,  and  when  they 
went  in  the  house,  and  the  Lieutenant  laid  his  hand  on  the  rebel, 
and  said  he  and  another  man  present  were  prisoners  of  war,  she 
changed  color  and  seemed  so  frightened  that  she  surely  must 
have  thought  we  were  about  to  devour  them  all.  But  they  were 
assured  no  harm  would  be  done  them.  The  screaming  brought 
Colonel  Hawkins  quickly  to  the  spot,  who  after  inquiring  into 
the  affair  to  his  satisfaction,  let  the  two  men  go  back  to  the 
house,  at  which  the  woman  was  rejoiced. 

"We  had  not  proceeded  far,  when,  turning  the  next  corner, 
we  saw  a  horseman  galloping  with  speed  toward  us.  He  was  a 
young  man,  dressed  in  a  greenish-yellow  suit,  rather  seedy,  and 
appeared  to  be  a  Southern  gentleman.  Colonel  Hawkins  made 
him  dismount  and  give  his  horse  to  Major  Jardine,  and  then  ac 
cused  him  of  conniving  treacherously  with  the  enemy.  He  could 
hardly  stammer  out  a  false  denial.  He  was  obliged  to  '  right 
about,'  and  go  as  a  guide  to  our  brigade,  which  he  did  rather  re 
luctantly,  being  forced  all  the  way  out  and  back.  He  acknow 
ledged  that  he  was  one  of  the  videttes  in  the  wood  by  Gregory's 
when  we  landed.  All  felt  like  hanging  him  on  the  spot,  but 
secondly  reflected  that  it  might  be  '  unconstitutional,'  so  we 
were  all  bound  to  respect  the  traitor." 

At  about  noonday  the  Fourth  brigade  met  General 
Reno's  column  of  the  Twenty-first  Massachusetts  and 
Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  and  after  waiting 
a  few  minutes  for  them,  all  started  ahead  again,  Gen 
eral  Reno's  brigade  in  advance,  with  a  detachment 
of  two  field-pieces  from  Company  K,  Ninth  New- 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  99 

York  Volunteers.  At  tins  point  many  of  the  "  Ninth," 
experiencing  great  weariness  and  exhaustion,  that 
would  have  broken  any  spirit  upon  a  less  eventful 
occasion,  exhibited  an  inclination  to  rest  beyond  the 
time  allotted  for  halting,  by  their  indifference  to 
keep  up  with  the  comrades  they  had  marched  so  far 
with;  but  as  they  evinced  their  weariness  rather 
by  losing  a  little  distance  with  each  weary  step 
than  by  any  sly  endeavor  to  straggle  in  the  rear,  they 
were  urged  forward  in  the  name  of  the  "  Ninth  "  and 
the  Union  by  those  at  their  elbows.  As  they  pro 
ceeded  further  the  shameful  example  of  straggling  dis 
played  by  other  regiments  gave  them  the  spirit  to 
reprove  what  they  saw  rather  than  any  desire  to  par 
ticipate  in  what  they  considered  so  unsold! erly.  But 
still  their  feet  seemed  to  get  heavier  and  heavier  at 
each  step,  and  only  the  hope  of  a  speedy  halt  stimu 
lated  them  to  renewed  exertion.  Some  of  the  sol 
diers,  who  had  marched  only  half  the  distance  the 
"  Ninth  "  had,  lay  down  as  if  incapable  of  further  ex 
ertion,  and  as  exhaustion  took  possession  of  their 
weakened  citadel  they  surrendered  themselves  to 
sleep,  and  perhaps  to  scouting  bands  of  the  enemy. 
At  length  it  was  said  we  had  discovered  the  enemy 
in  position,  waiting  for  us.  The  column  was  again 
halted  to  rest.  The  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  Twenty-first  Massachusetts,  and  Company 
K's  artillery  were  ordered  ahead.  In  a  short  time 
the  first  gun  sounded  ominously  through  the  woods 
where  the  "  Ninth  "  lay — many  asleep,  others  unheed 
ing  the  sound.  Colonel  Hawkins  had  walked  all  the 
way,  and  for  a  moment  stood  contemplating  the  ex- 


100  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

liaustion  of  his  regiment,  and  his  own  weariness  sym 
pathized  with  that  of  the  men.  Lieut.-Colonel  Kim- 
ball,  who  had  ridden  the  most  of  the  way  and  was 
sorely  chafed,  sat  upon  the  bank  by  the  road-side, 
almost  shedding  tears  at  the  thought  of  "  giving  out " 
when  a  battle  was  coming  on,  in  addition  to  the  fa 
tigue  already  called  for  by  a  march  of  over  thirty-two 
miles. 

Company  K,  together  with  Colonel  Howard's  ma 
rine  artillery,  was  now  shelling  the  enemy,  who  replied 
rapidly.  The  marine  Colonel  was  standing  on  one 
side  a  little  in  advance  of  K's  guns,  viewing  the  ene 
my  with  a  glass,  when  he  was  informed  that  the  strip- 
pings  from  the  shell  might  make  his  position  danger 
ous;  and  he  turned  slowly  about,  poising  his  glass, 
and  said  ;  "  I  guess  not — never  knew  the  strippings 
to  kill  any  body ;  did  you  ? " 

Captain  Reno  galloped  from  the  front  to  where  the 
'"  Ninth "  lay,  immediately  followed  by  the  General, 
who  eagerly  inquired  of  Colonel  Hawkins  how  his 
u  Red-caps  "  were.  He  replied  that  they  were  scarcely 
able  to  lift  their  feet.  The  General  said  it  must  be  so, 
they  had  marched  so  far;  but  the  enemy  were  just 
down  there  in  the  wood  below,  and  it  would  not  take 
a  great  deal  to  whip  them.  You  may  take  the  little 
Zouaves  to  the  right  and  outflank  them. 

The  artillery  on  both  sides  was  now  briskly  en 
gaged,  and  the  order  to  " forward"  was  once  more 
given.  Until  this  moment,  when  they  began  to  rouse 
themselves,  the  "Ninth"  did  not  realize  their  utter 
prostration.  The  line  staggered  upon  its  feet,  look 
ing  like  the  struggle  of  some  great  serpent  in  agony, 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  101    ' 

and  forward  again  it  began  to  wind  upon  the  advance. 
A  short  distance  further  ahead  they  turned  off  the 
main  road  and  were  led  to  the  right  through  the  edge 
of  the  wood  that  bordered  on  the  cleared  space  in 
front.  Having  arrived  as  near  the  enemy  as  prac 
ticable  without  discovering  the  position  thus  attained, 
the  line  was  again  halted.  Lieut-Colonel  Kimball 
rode  further  to  the  right  on  the  advance,  and  after  a 
little  inspection  of  the  situation,  returned,  the  enemy's 
shot  sounding  plump,  plump,  round  about.  "  Noth 
ing  but  solid  shot,  boys,"  said  he ;  "  we  don't  care  for 
that." 

One  who  is  well  informed  of  this  stage  of  the  pro 
ceedings,  says :  "  Colonel  Hawkins  now  went  forward 
to  the  right,  out  in  the  clearing,  and  took  a  calm  view 
of  the  situation  of  affairs.  He  saw  the  road  running 
down  to  the  enemy's  lodgment  .covered  with  rails, 
thrown  crosswise,  several  feet  deep,  up  to  which  Com 
pany  K  with  their  artillery  had  advanced  and  were 
blazing  away.  The  marine  artillery  was  directly  in 
front,  the  open  space  between  which  and  the  enemy 
was  about  three  fourths  of  a  mile,  and  the  fences 
crossing  these  lots,  together  with  a  farm-house,  had 
been  fired  to  conceal  the  foe.  To  the  right  the  wood 
was  very  umbrageous,  with  a  swampy  bottom,  which 
rendered  it  almost  impassable.  The  Colonel  was  not 
long  in  concluding  upon  the  only  course  by  which  the 
enemy  could  be  routed.  Returning  to  the  regiment, 
every  man  now  lying  down  to  rest  himself,  he  told 
them  how  far  off  the  rebels  were,  and  said :  "I  think 
if  you  can  walk  one  half  of  a  mile  and  run  a  quar 
ter,  we  can  take  the  battery  :  will  you  do  it  ? " 


"102  :  l  ^THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

u  We  will  try,"  said  they  ;  "  we  will  do  any  thing 
you  say." 

It  is  astonishing,  under  the  circumstances,  that  any 
should  have  said  what  they  were  willing  to  do.  The 
tears  came  to  the  eyes  of  the  Colonel  as  he  viewed 
the  long  line  of  heroes  ready  for  the  daring  act. 
"  Well,  boys,"  said  he,  "I  can't  order  you  to  go."  It 
was  enough:  slowly  the  long  line  of  "Bed-caps" 
stirred  and  arose  irregularly  as  if  assisting  each  other 
to  rise,  and  every  man  that  could  muster  sufficient 
strength  got  upon  his  feet,  clutched  his  musket,  and 
prepared  to  follow  the  Colonel,  who  was  now  leading 
the  way.  So  exhausted,  and  yet  with  such  determin 
ation,  they  resolved  to  go  wherever  he  should  take 
them.  The  solid  shot  now  began  to  fall  "  sensibly 
near,"  and  it  was  evident  the  rebels  had  seen  the 
"  Red-caps,"  for  they  were  getting  close  range  upon 
them. 

The  fence  was  thrown  down,  the  ditch  was  quickly 
passed,  and  the  "  Ninth"  was  now  out  in  the  clearing, 
steadily  advancing  down  the  gentle  slope.  The  artil 
lery  on  both  sides  ceased  as  they  moved  slowly  for 
ward;  and  a  silence  now  prevailed,  as  though  the 
fields  had  suddenly  been  transformed  into  a  grave 
yard.  One  after  another  of  the  burning  fences  and  the 
last  had  been  left  behind,  and  still  the  deep  silence 
was  preserved,  and  there  was  heard  only  the  rushing 
noise  of  many  footsteps  over  the  soft  and  yielding 
ground,  that  seemed  like  the  hard  breathing  of  the 
regiment  as  it  touched  the  ear.  The  half-mile  had 
been  passed  over;  and  now,  as  the  order  was  blown  on 
the  bugle,  "double-quick — charge  bayonets!"  a  faint 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  103 

effort  to  put  forth  the  battle-cry,  "  Zoo-zoo-zoo  ! "  was 
made,  but  it  died  away  with  a  sickening  sound,  and 
was  superseded  by  a  rapid  discharge  of  grape  and  can 
ister  from  the  enemy's  battery  of  six  pieces,  together 
with  the  concentrated  fire  of  their  united  force  of 
infantry.  The  style  of  fighting  practiced  by  the 
"  Ninth  "  seemed  to  be  well  known  to  them,  for  when 
the  Zouaves  fell  upon  their  faces  to  avoid  the  whist 
ling  hail,  they  directed  their  fire  lower,  which  caused 
it  to  ricochet  upon  the  plowed  ground,  cutting  into 
the  ranks  of  the  attacking  force  like  a  scythe  into 
grass. 

The  fire  of  the  rebels  was  now  so  severe  that  the 
regiment  began  to  stagger.  A  sergeant,  who  was  the 
first  man  on  the  right,  gives  some  very  interesting  par 
ticulars  of  this  part  of  the  engagement. 

"Up  to  this  time  not  a  man  had  fired  his  musket  from  our 
ranks ;  our  business  was  to  give  them  the  cold  steel ;  but  I  thought 
about  then  we  were  getting  the  hot  grape  instead,  which  made 
the  red  wine  run  pretty  freety.  I  was  so  very  tired  I  could 
scarce  lift  my  feet,  and  had  not  the  enemy's  shot  spurred  me  up 
I  should  have  fallen  on  the  spot.  But  I  resolved  to  keep  up  till 
they  knocked  me  down.  Many  prostrated  themselves  to  get  rid 
of  the  canister ;  but  when  I  saw  one  of  our  company  do  so  and 
get  shot  in  the  head,  I  thought  it  best  to  stand  up.  Lieutenant 
Barnett  and  I  staggered  against  a  small  apple-tree.  'Lieutenant,' 
said  I,  '  I  don't  believe  I  can  go  another  step.'  '  This  is  tough,' 
he  replied.  Just  then  there  came  a  zip-zip  and  a  thud-thud  into 
the  tree.  We  changed  our  base  immediately,  and  stepped  for 
ward  slowly  toward  the  enemy.  The  regiment  staggered  again, 
and  now  began  to  fire  at  the  rebels.  Colonel  Hawkins  fell 
wounded  in  the  left  arm,  Lieut.-Colonel  Kimball  had  his  horse 
shot  under  him,  and  sat  upon  the  ground  almost  unable  to  move. 
Adjutant  Gadsden  was  killed  by  a  grape  in  the  thigh,  and  Lieuten- 


104:  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

ant  McKecknie  was  rushing  forward,  wildly  waving  his  sword, 
and  shouting  for  the  men  to  advance,  when  at  this  instant  the 
order  was  given  to  'make  way  to  the  right  and  get  cover  in  the 
woods,'  which  was  gallantly  done,  the  regiment  not  losing  an 
inch  of  the  ground  they  had  gained.  I  had  fired  my  piece,  and 
while  proceeding  to  execute  the  order,  thought  I  must  reload  at 
the  same  time,  which  I  did  after  some  difficulty,  dragging  the 
butt  of  the  musket  on  the  ground.  I  reached  the  fence  by  the 
wood  with  the  ramrod  rattling  in  my  gun,  and  climbed  it ;  two 
rails  broke  and  let  me  down  upon  the  Major  of  the  Twenty -first 
Massachusetts,  who  wondered  where  I  came  from." 

General  Reno  was  standing  behind  Company  K's 
pieces.  That  excellent  soldier  shed  tears  as  he  lament- 
ingly  murmured,  "  They  are  getting  cut  up  badly ; 
it  is  too  bad." 

Several  of  the  regiments  were  now  ordered  forward 
to  make  a  combined  charge  upon  the  rebels.  The 
"Ninth"  was  among  them.  But  the  enemy  had 
already  began  to  slacken  fire,  and  it  was  apparent 
that  they  were  contemplating  a  hasty  retreat.  Could 
the  Zouaves  have  held  their  position  and  advanced  a 
few  yards  further,  there  is  no  question  that  they  would 
have  completely  routed  the  rebels  and  captured  their 
guns.  As  it  was,  the  enemy  now  fled  in  confusion, 
with  their  flying  artillery,  upon  the  approach  of  this 
new  assaulting  column. 

A  few  moments  more,  and  the  Union  forces  re 
mained  sole  possessors  of  the  battle-field,  and  were 
burying  their  dead. 

Upon  the  approach  of  the  "Ninth,"  after  the  enemy 
had  been  discovered,  Corporal  Spooner,  of  Company 
B,  had  a  great  desire  to  smoke  his  pipe,  but  at  the  mo 
ment  distinctly  recollected  that  he  left  it  on  the  man- 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  105 

tcl  in  the  corporal's  quarters  at  the  barracks.  During 
the  battle  he  was  struck  in  the  thigh  by  a  bullet,  and 
he  immediately  crawled  to  a  ditch,  where  he  proceeded 
to  examine  into  the  nature  of  his  wound,  and  to  his 
amazement  found  that  the  ball  had  taken  lodgment 
in  his  pocket,  where  he  also  found  pieces  of  the  pipe 
he  had  wished  for  so  much.  The  ball  must  have  enter 
ed  the  bowl  of  the  pipe  directly,  as  it  was  completely 
smashed,  leaving  only  the  bottom  portion  attached  to 
the  stem.  The  presence  of  the  pipe  undoubtedly  saved 
his  life,  for  on  the  statement  of  the  surgeon,*  his 
wound  would  have  been  similar  to  the  one  received 
by  the  brave  and  lamented  Gadsden.f 

Pickets  were  immediately  established,  and  the 
"  Ninth  "  had  some  little  hope  of  obtaining  a  trifle  of 
that  rest  they  so  much  needed ;  but  this  was  not  to 
be  ;  employment  beckoned  their  services  in  every 
direction.  A  gentle  rain  began  to  fall,  which  con 
tributed  much  refreshment  that  could  not  be  derived 
from  any  other  source.  They  were  within  four  hours' 
communication  with  Norfolk,  and  if  they  should  re 
main  at  South-Mills  another  battle  still  more  severe 
was  before  them,  and  perhaps  the  surrender  of  all. 

Accordingly  about  nine  o'clock  P.M.,  the  order  to 
march  was  given,  and  the  direction  taken  at  once 
assured  all  that  they  were  to  return  to  the  transports 
that  night.  Some  of  the  wounded  who  were  unable 
to  ride  in  the  army-wagons  were  left  behind  under 
charge  of  a  surgeon.  Chaplain  Conway  also  remained 

*  Note  G  iii  Appendix, 
f  Note  H  in  Appendix. 


106  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

to  care  for  the  wounded ;  and  his  attentive  services 
relieved  much  suffering,  and  added  another  evidence 
of  his  kindly  nature  and  sympathy  to  that  he  had 
exhibited  on  other  occasions. 

Imagination  must  lend  its  powers  in  order  to  con 
ceive  the  severity  of  the  return  march  on  that  black 
and  stormy  night.  About  ten  o'clock  the  rain  poured 
in  torrents  upon  the  heads  of  the  men.  Frequently 
they  would  stumble  in  the  darkness,  the  slippery 
nature  of  the  soil  rendering  it  impossible  to  keep  sure 
footing.  When  the  command  would  be  given  to  halt 
a  moment  for  rest,  the  troops  would  drop  suddenly 
upon  the  roadside  in  the  mud  or  water,  according  to 
the  condition  of  the  ground  they  were  treading  upon 
at  the  time.  But  they  must  reach  the  bridge  before 
the  enemy  should  destroy  it,  and  for  this  purpose 
they  toiled  on  mechanically.  Just  before  dawn  the 
bridge  was  crossed  by  the  "  Ninth,"  to  whom  it  was 
given  to  destroy  the  same  after  the  troops  had  passed 
it,  to  wait  for  stragglers  and  bring  them  in,  and  to 
perform  the  unpleasant  task  of  urging  on  at  the  point 
of  the  bayonet  the  prisoners  captured,  who  were 
ready  to  drop  from  exhaustion  at  every  step.  They 
could  not  credit  the  fact  that  the  Zouaves  had 
marched  double  the  distance  they  had  and  still  re 
tained  so  much  more  of  vitality. 

Shortly  after  daylight  they  reached  Shantilly,  and 
embarked  once  more  on  board  the  Ocean  Wave. 

The  negro  guide,  who  had  so  treacherously  led  the 
brigade  of  Colonel  Hawkins  in  the  wrong  direction, 
was  executed  in  the  wood.  It  was  afterward  ascer 
tained  that  he  had  been  sent  to  us  by  the  enemy  for 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  107 

the  purpose  of  leading  our  troops  into  a  trap  the 
rebels  had  prepared.  But  the  sagacity  of  the  com 
mander  prevented  such  a  disaster. 

We  subtract  a  portion  of  the  official  report  of  the 
affair  sent  in  to  the  Commanding  General  by  Colonel 
Hawkins  : 

"  It  is  seldom  if  ever  that  men  have  been  called  upon  to  perform 
so  much  in  so  short  a  time  as  those  were  who  composed  the 
fourth  brigade  under  my  command — marching  forty -six  miles 
and  fighting  a  battle,  all  in  twenty -six  hours!  You  will  admit 
that  it  was  no  small  undertaking ;  and  yet  this  was  done  with 
out  a  murmur  or  complaint. 

"  Soon  after  the  troops  had  returned  to  Roanoke  Island,  Chap 
lain  Conway*  arrived,  bringing  with  him  about  fifty  stragglers 
of  different  regiments,  and  some  of  the  wounded  of  the  Ninth 
New- York  Volunteers,  who  were  left  behind  on  the  field  of  battle. 

*'  In  this  enterprise  the  Commanding  General  has  received  an 
other  evidence  of  the  courage,  enterprise,  and  fortitude  of  the 
troops  under  his  command.  Although  the  results  may  seem 
disastrous  on  account  of  the  loss  of  life,  still  the  reconnoissance 
can  not  fail  to  be  of  great  value  to  him  when  connected  with 
future  operations. 

In  the  charge  of  the  Ninth  New- York  Volunteers,  that  regi 
ment  lost  nine  killed  and  sixty  wounded.  Among  the  former 
was  Lieutenant  Charles  A.  Gadsden,  Adjutant,  who  fell  while 
gallantly  cheering  on  the  men  at  the  head  of  the  regiment.  He 
was  a  kind,  considerate  gentleman,  and  a  most  excellent  soldier 
and  died  greatly  lamented  by  all  of  his  companions." 

The  regiment  arrived  at  the  long  wharf  on  Roa 

*  Note  I  in  Appendix. 


108  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

noke  Island  about  five  P.M.  of  the  20th  of  April,  and 
marched  up  to  Camp  Reno  that  evening. 

As  a  testimony  of  the  severity  of  the  toils  in  the 
late  expedition,  it  is  only  necessary  to  add  that  the 
men  were  so  sadly  used  up  that  respite  from  all  drill 
for  one  week  was  granted  them,  at  the  end  of  which 
time  they  were  comfortably  ready  for  another  call. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  109 


f 


ART    SEVENTH  : 


; 


to  "Rotifolk  an4  t^ewpo^ta 

O  HORTLY  after,  a  reading-room  and  post-office  for 
U  the  "Ninth"  were  opened,  and  reading  matter  of 
every  description  came  pouring  in  from  all  directions. 
It  proved  to  be  of  great  advantage  to  the  men,  and 
they  might  be  seen  there  at  all  hours  between  drill 
pouring  over  the  books  and  papers  in  deep  study  and 
enchanting  recreation,  or  writing  their  letters,  or  fill 
ing  out  diaries.  The  avidity  with  which  they  seized 
upon  this  new  source  of  pastime  and  improvement 
was  very  gratifying  to  those  who  had  furnished  the 
means. 

A  debating  club  was  immediately. established,  and 
regular  evenings  out  of  each  week  allotted  for  con 
troversy.  Many  subjects  of  enticing  interest  were 
discussed,  the  Chaplain  usually  taking  some  strong 
position. 

Several  base  ball  clubs  were  organized  throughout 
the  regiment,  and  exciting  contests  took  place  between 
them  every  Saturday;  and  as  the  "Ninth"  boasted 
many  excellent  players,  it  may  be  supposed  that  these 
clubs  were  no  mean  feature  among  the  many  sports 
engaged  in  by  the  men  and  officers. 

Some   of  .the  companies    also   erected   gymnastic 
6 


110  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

apparatus,  flying-rings,  cloud-swings,  horizontal  and 
parallel  bars,  trapezes,  etc.,  and  the  excellent  skill  of 
many  was  exhibited  on  them,  and  acrobatic  perform 
ances  induged  in,  together  with  sparring  and  wrest 
ling,  and  all  the  category  of  amusements  resorted  to, 
as  the  different  ideas  of  recreation  called  for  them. 

Amusements  seemed  now  to  be  the  prevalent  order  of 
the  time,  and  we  know  of  no  successive  occasions  where 
the  talent  that  composed  the  Ninth  Regiment  of  New- 
York  Volunteers  was  so  finely  displayed  as  in  the 
management  of  "  The  Zouave  Minstrel  and  Dramatic 
Club,"  which,  having  been  under  formation  for  some 
time,  now  opened  and  gave  public  entertainments 
to  happy  audiences,  that  so  overcrowded  the  building 
appropriated  for  the  object,  that  another  and  larger 
one,  capable  of  holding  over  five  hundred  people,  was 
substituted  by  the  kind  permission  of  the  Colonel. 
Artists  of  considerable  reputation  painted  the  scenery; 
carpenters  of  experience  constructed  with  toil  their 
portion  of  their  work ;  the  mechanical  appointments 
were  erected  by  those  who  had  followed  the  business ; 
the  stage-manager  was  formerly  from  a  Broadway 
house,  where  he  was  conductor  of  a  superior  arrange 
ment  of  the  same  kind ;  dresses  were  properly  selected 
by  those  who  understood  that  portion  of  the  parapher 
nalia  ;  professional  actors  "  graced  the  stage,"  and  the 
ablest  critics  manifested  their  approbation  of  the  man 
ner  in  which  "  Box  and  Cox  "  and  the  novel  and  hu 
morous  burlesque  of  "  Richard  III."  were  produced, 
together  with  the  caricaturing  of  the  acrobatic  "Han- 
Ions,"  etc.  The  minstrel  band,  composed  of  the  usual 
burnt-cork  talent  found  in  that  capacity,  acquitted 


THEIR  BATTLES  AXD  MARCHES.  Ill 

themselves  most  excellently.  Johnson's  "  Lord  Lov- 
el "  and  "  Billy  Barlow "  will  be  remembered  for 
many  years  by  all  who  heard  them  on  Roanoke 
Island.  So  great  was  the  success  of  the  club  that  all 
who  sought  admission  could  not  be  accommodated, 
many  turning  away  disappointed,  marching  back 
many  miles  to  camp. 

The  natives  of  the  island  were  not  only  pleased  but 
incredulously  astonished  at  the  performances.  The 
intellectual  faculties  of  the  inhabitants*  are  only  pos 
sessed  in  that  degree  just  sufficient  to  display  a  portion 
of  their  ignorance,  it  usually  requiring  some  develop 
ment  to  exhibit  all.  Few  of  the  Eoanokers  knew 
what  a  theatre  was,  and  scarcely  any  of  them  had 
ever  seen  a  play ;  to  instance  which,  we  make  men 
tion  of  an  incident  where  an  elderly  female  was  asked 
how  she  liked  the  performance  she  saw  last  evening ; 
the  reply  was  that  "  she  did  not  know,  because  she 
had  never  seen  any  thing  of  the  kind  before ;  but  all 
the  while  the  play  was  going  on  it  was  as  much  as 
she  could  do  to  keep  from  laughing  at  the  nigger 
minstrels." 

The  object  of  the  association  was  not  merely  for 
the  entertainment  and  amusement  of  the  regiment, 
but  for  the  nobler  purpose  of  establishing  a  fund  for 
the  relief  of  the  wounded  members  of  the  "  Ninth ;" 
and  how  well  it  succeeded  many  of  them  who  have 
received  quite  an  acceptable  sum  of  the  proceeds  can 
testify. 

About  this  time  religious  services  of  a  very  inter 
esting  character  were  held  in  the  reading-room ;  dis 
courses  by  the  Chaplain. 


112  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

In  the  fore  part  of  May  Colonel  Hawkins  learned 
that  the  rebels  had  a  large  amount  of  stores,  consist 
ing  of  bacon,  corn,  salt,  flour,  etc.,  stored  near  Gates- 
ville,  and  he  determined  to  send  a  small  expedition 
to  destroy  the  same.  Accordingly  on  the  fall  of  May 
he  ordered  Captain  Parisen  to  take  his  company,  C, 
on  board  the  gunboat  Shawsheen,  and  proceed  to  exe 
cute  that  duty.  Captain  Underwood  steamed  the 
vessel  over  the  Albemarle  and  up  the  Chowan  river, 
and  then,  at  the  still  hour  of  midnight,  entered  Cath 
erine's  Creek,  which  empties  into  the  former  river, 
opposite  Holliday's  Island,  pushing  slowly  up-stream, 
using  the  precaution  to  conceal  their  lights,  until  they 
had  advanced  against  the  current  for  about  two  miles, 
when  they  landed  in  silence  about  one  o'clock  on  the 
morning  of  the  8th,  in  a  wooded  swamp,  through 
which  they  proceeded  until  they  had  arrived  within 
about  ten  miles  of  the  town  of  Gatesville,  when  they 
found  themselves  near  the  storehouses  which  they  had 
come  to  destroy,  and  which  were  under  the  charge  of 
a  man  named  Jordan.  They  immediately  set  fire  to 
the  buildings,  destroying  provisions  of  great  value  to 
the  enemy,  and  turned  about  to  march  back. 

Upon  the  return  of  the  force  to  the  gunboat,  the 
the  rear-guard,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Cooper,  was 
attacked  by  a  small  force  of  the  enemy's  cavalry, 
about  twenty-five  in  number.  Captain  Parisen  with 
the  main  body  immediately  came  to  the  relief  of  the 
guard,  repulsing  the  cavalry  with  the  loss  of  one  of 
their  number,  who  was  shot  in  the  heart. 

The  detachment  reached  Roanoke  Island  on  the 
9th,  and  great  praise  was  accorded  to  Captain  Parisen 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MAKCHES.  113 

for  the  promptness  and  completeness  with  which  he 
performed  the  work  assigned  him. 

Some  time  previous  there  was  conceived  in  the 
regiment  the  idea  of  presenting  to  their  Colonel  some 
appropriate  testimonial  of  the  esteem  and  apprecia 
tion  in  which  they  held  his  attachment  and  services 
to  them  all.  The  thought  had  probably  existed  for  a 
long  while,  when  upon  one  evening,  in  the  Sergeants' 
quarters  of  Company  B,  after  the  matter  had  been 
broached,  two  sergeants  rose  up  and  said  they  would 
begin  to  make  it  generally  known  and  give  it  a  start 
that  evening.  Accordingly  they  immediately  paid  a 
visit  to  all  the  sergeants'  quarters  in  the  regiment, 
proposing  the  idea  with  their  own  views  as  to  what 
could  be  done.  The  pleasure  with  which  the  proposal 
was  received,  and  the  readiness  with  which  they  all 
acknowledged  the  propriety  of  the  movement,  gave 
ample  promise  that  its  final  issue  would  be  consum 
mated  in  a  favorable  manner.  Those  who  originated 
it  requested  that  first  sergeants  would  state  the  prop 
osition  in  plain  terms  to  their  companies,  requesting 
them  to  hold  a  meeting  among  themselves,  and  ap 
point  three  privates  as  delegates  to  a  meeting  which 
would  be  held  that  same  evening  in  the  quarters  of 
Company  B ;  and  that  it  was  not  expected  contribu 
tions  of  more  than  one  dollar  from  each  member 
would  be  admitted,  the  object  being  to  derive  the 
sum  from  as  many  individuals  as  possible,  in  order 
that  the  testimonial  might  represent  the  feelings  of 
the  entire  regiment  separately  as  well  as  collectively. 

The  meeting  was  held,  and  all  the  officers  and  ne 
cessary  committees  appointed,  composed  entirely  of 


114  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

privates,  as  it  was  desired  by  the  sergeants  and  cor 
porals  that  they  should  conduct  the  affair  throughout, 
with  only  the  exceptions  made  by  the  privates  them 
selves.  A  meeting  was  again  to  be  held  the  third 
night  after ;  they  adjourned  quite  jubilant  with  the 
bright  prospect  of  effecting  the  desirable  object.  At 
the  second  meeting  about  four  hundred  dollars  was 
handed  the  treasurer.  Several  other  gatherings  of 
the  same  nature  were  held,  and  the  handsome  sum 
raised  was  sent  on  to  Judge  "Whiting  of  New- York, 
who,  with  great  pleasure,  obtained  the  article,  which 
was  brought  on  to  Roanoke  Island  by  Dr.  White  on 
Friday,  the  9th  day  of  May.  The  box  containing  it 
was  opened  while  an  eager  crowd  pressed  around, 
each  zealous  to  obtain  the  first  glance,  when  lo,  a 
beautiful  sword  with  a  duplicate  scabbard,  etc.,  was 
exposed  to  the  view  of  all  present.  So  far  the  affair 
had  been  kept  secret  to  the  men  themselves,  and  it  is 
believed  that  up  to  a  few  hours  previous  to  its  pre 
sentation  not  an  officer  in  the  regiment  was  aware  of 
the  intended  compliment. 

A  message  was  dispatched  to  Colonel  Hawkins  to 
the  effect  that  his  presence  at  Camp  Reno  on  the 
afternoon  of  Saturday  would  confer  a  favor  upon  the 
regiment ;  and  the  reply  was,  that  he  would  attend  at 
the  appointed  hour,  though  he  was  not  at  all  suspi 
cious  of  the  agreeable  intentions  of  the  men. 

Accordingly  about  three  o'clock  on  the  afternoon 
of  the  10th,  the  Colonel  arrived  at  Camp  Reno,  with 
his  arm  still  in  its  sling.  The  officers  of  the  regiment 
crowded  about  him  in  sympathetic  numbers.  The 
men  were  busily  engaged  in  polishing  themselves  for 
the  occasion. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MAECHES.  115 

Every  thing  was  in  readiness  and  the  parade  was 
immediately  formed,  the  band  playing  an  appropriate 
air  for  the  assembly.  Sergeant-Major  Dusenbury  was 
in  command,  and  gave  his  orders  with  distinctness 
and  accuracy.  Never  did  the  regiment  make  a  finer 
appearance  than  on  this  happy  occasion. 

The  precision  and  celerity  with  which  the  command 
to  "form  square"  was  executed  astonished  all  present, 
and  the  Colonel  could  not  restrain  himself  from  say 
ing  to  those  around  him,  "I  am  glad  to  see  that  others 
besides  the  officers  can  handle  my  regiment." 

The  committee  of  the  presentation  then  escorted 
Colonel  Hawkins  within  the  square,  while  the  band 
made  some  excellent  music. 

When  the  Colonel  had  taken  his  station  under  the 
flag,  Private  Reed,  of  Company  B,  stepped  forward 
and  made  a  very  appropriate  presentation  address,  at 
the  conclusion  handing  the  sword  to  Colonel  Haw 
kins,  who,  after  examining  the  beautiful  testimonial, 
replied  in  a  speech  that  will  not  soon  be  forgotten. 
After  the  ceremony  was  over  each  company  in  turn 
ran  up  to  the  headquarters,  and  gave  nine  spirited 
cheers  in  approbation  of  the  sentiments  that  con 
cluded  the  speech. 

The  necessity  of  opening  the  canal  to  Norfolk,* 
after  the  evacuation  of  that  place  by  the  rebels,  was 
urged  upon  the  department  by  Colonel  Hawkins,  who 
foresaw  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from  a  twenty- 
four  hours'  communication  between  Old  Point  and 
ISTew-Berne,  inasmuch  as  there  were  contemplations  of 

*  Note  K  in  Appendix. 


116  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

future  cooperation  between  Generals  Wool  and  Burn- 
side.  Measures  were  taken  to  dredge  out  the  canal 
and  prepare  it  for  navigation ;  and  at  one  o'clock 
Friday  morning,  the  6th  of  June,  Colonel  Hawkins 
started  with  Company  K  and  its  battery  on  board 
the  steamer  Port  Royal  to  make  a  formal  opening  of 
communications,  as  intended,  that  force  being  the 
first  to  traverse  that  portion  of  the  enemy's  country. 
They  were  not  molested  to  any  extent,  and  returned 
again  a  few  days  after,  vindicating  the  feasibility  of 
the  undertaking. 

Company  K,  Captain  Whiting,  was  detailed  as 
steamer's  guard,  and  made  the  passage  several  times 
afterward. 

Early  in  June  the  town  of  Plymouth  on  the  Hoa- 
noke  river  was  taken  possession  of  by  Lieutenant 
Flusser  of  the  navy,  and  up  to  the  15th  of  the  month 
had  been  held  by  the  naval  force  under  his  command  ; 
when  Company  F  of  the  "  Ninth  "  was  detached  from 
the  regiment  and  placed  by  Colonel  Hawkins  in  com 
mand  of  the  town,  remaining  there  until  the  follow 
ing  December.  Colonel  Hawkins  at  this  time  com 
menced  raising  the  first  regiment  of  volunteers  from 
the  loyal  citizens  of  the  State  of  North-Carolina. 

On  the  1st  of  July,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
the  regiment  proceeded  to  Pork  Point  in  full  march 
ing  order,  wvhere  it  embarked  on  board  schooners 
with  the  assistance  of  the  Ocean  Wave,  and  was  after 
ward  towed  down  the  Pamlico  Sound  to  the  mouth 
of  the  Neuse  river,  when  a  steamer  came  out  and 
handed  in  orders  to  put  about  and  return,  as  the  ob 
ject  for  which  the  expedition  was  intended  had  been 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  117 

accomplished.     Eoanoke  Island  was   again  reached 
on  the  evening  of  the  2d. 

On  July  3d  the  following  order  was  issued  by 
Colonel  Hawkins  for  the  observance  of  our  National 
Independence : 

HEADQUARTEKS  FOURTH  BRIGADE  AND  POST, 

ROANOKE  ISLAND,  July  3,  1862. 
j  Special  Order  ) 
}        No.  23.       \ 

To-morrow  being  the  anniversary  of  our  NATIONAL  INDEPEND 
ENCE,  all  labor  in  the  camps  of  this  post  will  be  suspended.  The 
day  will  be  devoted  to  such  patriotic  exercises  as  the  regimental 
commanders  may  deem  appropriate  for  an  observance  of  the 
same. 

The  Colonel  commanding  the  post  would  recommend  that  com 
mandants  of  battalions  form  their  commands  at  some  hour  during 
the  forenoon,  and  read  in  their  presence  the  Declaration  of  Inde 
pendence,  and  add  thereto  such  other  demonstrations  as  may 
seem  proper  for  the  occasi©n. 

At  twelve  o'clock  M.  national  salutes  will  be  fired  from  Forts 
Foster  and  Parke. 

Bytwrder  RUSH  C.  HAWKINS, 

Colonel  Commanding  Fourth  Brigade  and  Post. 
JOHN  E.  SHEPARD, 

A,  A.  A.  G. 

After  listening  with  faithful  attention  to  the  Declar 
ation  that  "  all  men  are  created  free  and  equal,"  blank 
cartridges  were  issued  to  the  "  Ninth,"  and  they  im 
mediately  set  about  to  make  such  demonstrations  for 
the  celebration  of  the  day  as  old  soldiers  understand 
so  well.  Almost  every  conceivable  manner  of  proper 
amusement  was  introduced  into  the  camp — the  mimic 
life  in  the  trenches,  the  charging  upon  fortifications 
with  flying  artillery  mounted  on  wheel-barrows,  the 
6* 


118  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

blowing  up  of  magazines,  etc.  But  what  is  more 
particularly  deserving  of  remembrance  is  the  Fantas 
tic  Parade  in  the  afternoon.  Those  who  engaged  in 
it  received  the  applause  of  all  who  witnessed  their 
display  at  Camp  Reno  ;  and  they  then  proceeded  to 
Pork  Point,  reviving  all  the  good  nature  in  the  camps, 
and  afterward  exhausting  it. 

On  the  10th  of  July,  and  about  two  o'clock  P.M., 
the  regiment  having  received  orders  to  leave  the 
island,  marched  in  the  heat  of  a  scorching  sun  to 
headquarters  with  their  knapsacks  full,  experiencing 
sad  effects  from  the  intense  heat.  After  going  aboard, 
the  steamers  started,  leaving  the  Croatan  and  gliding 
over  the  shallow  waters  of  the  Albemarle,  arrived  at 
the  mouth  of  North  river,  where  they  came  to  anchor 
for  the  night ;  the  troops  meantime  were  transferred 
to  other  vessels  more  fitting  to  make  the  passage  of 
the  canal  they  were  to  go  through.  The  force  started 
again  at  six  o'clock  A.M.  the  following  morning,  and 
without  any  interruption  of  note, "arrived  at  Norfolk 
about  two  A.M.  of  the  12th,  and  on  that  day  landed 
and  established  their  camp  within  a  stone's  throw  of 
the  northern  side  of  Old  Fort  Norfolk. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  119 


PART    EIGHTH  : 
to      edetichsbuh  ami 


rilHE  regiment  remained  at  this  station  until  the 
JL  24th  of  July,  when  it  was  again  ordered  to  em 
bark  with  all  equipage  on  board  the  E.  S.  Terry. 
Accordingly  it  left  the  fort  about  nine  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  during  a  heavy  rain,  and  landed  at  New- 
ports  News  about  half-past  eleven.  The  Zouaves 
marched  past  the  numerous  outstretched  encamp 
ments  of  the  forces  there,  receiving  tremendous  out 
bursts  of  applause  from  those  who  now  witnessed  the 
martial  grace  of  men  long  known  to  them  all  by  rep 
utation. 

The  "Ninth"  established  their  camp  some  distance 
up  on  the  immediate  bank  of  the  James  river,  which 
at  this  point  has  a  shore  elevated  from  thirty  to  fifty 
feet.  The  regiment's  stay  at  this  camp  was  brief:  on 

O  «/ 

the  3d  day  of  August  (Sunday)  we  find  them  again 
embarking  in  a  drenching  rain-storm.  The  steamer 
City  of  New-  York,  on  which  they  were,  left  the  dock 
at  Newports  News  at  about  half-past  two  P.M.,  making 
a  stop  of  five  hours  at  Fortress  Monroe,  and  at  nine 
in  the  evening  was  steaming  it  up  the  Potomac,  ar 
riving  at  Acquia  Creek  about  ten  o'clock  on  the  fol 
lowing  morning. 


120  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

On  the  5th  of  the  month  the  steamer  Columbia 
conveyed  them  to  the  wharf  on  Brent's  Point,  where 
they  landed  about  noon ;  and  after  placing  all  the  ac 
companying  luggage  on  the  cars,  they  sprang  into 
them,  and  with  whistling  speed  soon  reached  Falmouth 
Station,  where  they  pitched  camp  upon  a  hill  com 
manding  the  city  of  Fredericksburgh,  and  not  far 
from  the  ancient  mansion  of  the  rebel  Lacy,  which 
place  was  called  Camp  Parke. 

On  the  8th  day  of  August  the  detachment  of  a  hun 
dred  men,  under  command  of  Captain  Graham,  which 
had  been  left  on  Roanoke  Island  to  guard  the  place 
and  take  charge  of  the  surplus  stores  of  the  regiment 
necessarily  left  behind,  arrived,  bringing  with  them 
the  extra  baggage  and  uniforms  of  the  men. 

Knapsack  drills  were  now  adopted  into  the  habitual 
discipline  of  the  regiment,  and  although  the  weather 
was  intensely  hot,  the  hard,  dry  earth  reflecting  as 
much  heat  as  the  fiery  sun  cast  upon  it,  it  was  well 
shown  that  the  Zouaves  could  maintain  their  fame  for 
perfect  drill  no  matter  what  disadvantage  lay  in  the 
command. 

The  dress-parades  were  an  attractive  feature,  the 
band  having  been  reorganized,  reiiniformed  and  en 
larged,  under  the  excellent  leadership  of  Mr.  Wallace, 
of  JSTew-York.  The  " first  call"  for  parade  in  the 
quarters  of  the  "Ninth"  was  always  the  signal  for 
the  other  troops  about  to  start  up  in  their  own  camps 
and  assemble  themselves  at  some  convenient  location 
available  for  unobstructed  observation,  that  they 
might  obtain  a  sight  that  had  not  often  graced  the 
eyes  of  even  old  soldiers ;  and  it  is  not  known  that 


THE1K  BATTLES  AND  MAECHES.  121 

any  have  been  unwilling  to  accord  to  the  Zouaves  en 
comiums  of  excellent  worth  in  the  unusual  perfection 
they  had  attained  in  the  manual  of  arms  and  in  their 
military  exercises,  as  well  as  the  strict  adherence  to 
discipline  in  all  duties  connected  with  a  soldier's 
service. 

On  the  12th  day  of  August,  Company  H  was  sent 
down  to  guard  Potomac  Creek  bridge. 

During  their  stay  at  Fredericksburgh  the  "  Ninth  " 
was  detailed  for  picket-duty  on  the  Orange  Court- 
House  and  adjacent  roads.  Notwithstanding  the 
aversion  manifested  by  the  inhabitants  of  that  fatal 
town  toward  the  Union  troops,  the  Zouaves  could  ex 
tract  a  cheer  as  they  passed  through  it.  The  drum- 
major's  attractive  appearance  rendered  him  conspicu 
ously  observed  by  the  wondering  classes,  who  were 
overheard  remarking  to  themselves,  "  That  must  be 
General  McClellan  !  See  how  they  all  turn  the  corner 
when  he  throws  out  his  big  stick  ! " 

On  the  14th  of  August,  Lieutenant  George  H.  Her 
bert  was  ordered  to  take  a  force  of  twTenty-nine  men 
and  two  guns  from  Company  K,  and  proceed  down 
the  river  to  break  up  a  rebel  ferry  that  had  been  es 
tablished  many  miles  below  for  the  purpose  of  facili 
tating  a  cross-communication  between  the  Potomac 
and  Central  Virginia.  Accordingly  for  this  purpose 
the  Lieutenant  and  his  comrades  embarked  on  the 
steamer  Cooper's  Point.  They  sped  hastily  down  the 
Rappahannock,  conceiving  the  idea  of  effecting  a  sur 
prise  ;  and  this  they  actually  did  when  they  reached 
the  spot,  so  adroitly  was  the  whole  affair  managed. 
After  a  conflict  of  very  brief  duration  they  succeeded 


122  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

in  capturing  thirteen  prisoners  with  side-arms,  a  quan 
tity  of  baggage  and  four  horses.  After  destroying  all 
means  of  rebel  transportation  at  the  ferry,  they  re 
turned  up  the  river,  with  the  well-merited  satisfaction 
of  having  performed  a  valuable  duty  which  at  the 
outset  bore  the  appearance  of  extreme  hazard,  with 
out  the  loss  of  a  man  to  themselves. 

At  this  progress  in  the  events  of  our  national  his 
tory,  General  Pope's  defeat  had  been  confirmed  by 
the  advance  of  the  rebel  army,  which  was  not  checked 
until  the  invasion  of  Maryland  compelled  General 
McClellan  to  throw  his  forces  in  the  face  of  the 
enemy. 

Pursuant  to  this  end,  the  "Ninth"  received  orders 
to  take  up  the  line  of  march,  which  it  did  upon  the 
night  of  the  31st  of  August.  Although  the  march 
was  but  a  short  one  of  fifteen  miles,  yet  the  circum 
stances  under  which  it  was  executed  render  it  worthy 
of  mention  in  the  records  of  the  weary  marches  our 
brave  soldiers  have  undergone,  when  attended  by 
every  disadvantage  that  so  doubles  distance  and  pro 
longs  time.  Those  who  measure  their  tramps  upon 
the  map  habitually  cast  away  many  miles  that  have 
been  so  hardly  made  by  the  overloaded  soldier.  The 
regiment  was  on  picket-duty  the  night  previous,  when 
it  stormed  furiously,  wetting  not  only  themselves  but 
every  thing  in  their  possession,  (excepting  musket  and 
powder !)  more  particularly  the  blanket  and  overcoat, 
which  it  is  more  desirable  to  keep  dry,  so  that  a  single 
knapsack  weighed  over  forty  pounds,  beside  the  ac 
coutrements  ;  which  fact  was  personally  ascertained 
by  Colonel  Hawkins.  As  soon  as  they  arrived  in 
Camp  Parke  from  picket,  tents  were  to  be  struck  and 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  123 

4* 

the  laborious  work  of  packing  securely  the  regimental 
and  company  property  (not  to  be  taken  with  them  in 
a  rapid  campaign)  was  to  be  performed,  together  with 
the  vast  detail  of  breaking  up  such  a  camp  as  the 
"Ninth"  had  constructed  at  that  place.  The  march 
to  Acquia  Creek  was  taken  up  about  six  o'clock,  and 
the  night,  to  add  to  the  discomforts  of  the  men,  soon 
after  set  in  with  pitchy  blackness;  and  the  roads 
being  rough  and  hilly,  and  moreover  very  muddy  and 
slippery  from  the  recent  rains,  contributed  not  a  little 
to  the  irksome  toil  of  the  night.  On  they  trudged 
with  the  inability  to  avoid  those  irregularities  which 
are  so  prevalent  in  the  highways  of  Virginia,  those 
behind  stumbling  in  the  incautious  footsteps  of  those 
ahead,  often  leading  to  bruised  limbs,  and  always  pro 
voking  the  laughter  that  did  not  find  its  way  far  in 
the  darkness. 

About  five  o'clock  on  the  following  morning  they 
reached  Acquia  Creek  Station,  and  after  some  delay  at 
the  landing,  marched  about  four  miles  upon  the  bluffs 
that  overlook  the  river  for  many  miles,  and  encamped 
to  act  as  a  reserve  to  support  the  artillery  there. 

On  the  4th  of  the  month  they  marched  down  to 
the  Station,  and  about  eight  o'clock  P.M.  embarked 
on  the  transport  Louisiana,  and  started  up  the  Poto 
mac,  reaching  Washington,  and  landing  about  ten 
o'clock  A.M.  It  would  seem  that  the  people  of  the 
capital  had  seen  soldiery  enough;  but  when  the 
"Ninth"  passed  through  they  evinced  their  appre 
ciation  of  perfection  in  company  line  and  change  of 
manual  by  numerous  tokens  of  applause.  After 
marching  a  few  miles  out  of  the  city,  the  regiment 
encamped  upon  Meridian  Hill. 


124  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES 


NINTH: 


Maehington  to 

THE  days  were  extremely  hot  and  sultry,  the  nights 
cool  with  very  heavy  dews,  and  the  "  Ninth  " 
had  not  a  particle  of  shelter  of  any  kind. 

On  the  morning  of  the  7th  Colonel  Hawkins  turned 
over  the  command  of  his  brigade  to  Colonel  Fair- 
child,  and  departed  for  New-  York,  regretting  that  it 
became  imperative  to  leave  his  regiment  upon  the 
very  opening  of  a  new  and  active  campaign. 

About  one  o'clock  of  the  7th,  the  regiment  left  Me 
ridian  Hill  to  march  again,  but  in  consequence  of  the 
heavy  wagon-trains  upon  the  road  was  obliged  to  pro 
ceed  very  slow.  After  marching  for  about  ten  miles 
they  encamped  for  the  night.  The  regiment  remained 
there  all  day  and  night  of  the  8th.  Upon  the  morn 
ing  of  the  9th,  reveille  was  beaten  about  three  o'clock, 
and  at  sunrise  the  Zouaves  again  started  on  the  march, 
and  after  accomplishing  a  distance  of  twelve  miles, 
rested  near  Brookville  at  eleven  o'clock  A.M.  At  five 
in  the  afternoon  tents  were  again  struck,  and  by  ten 
o'clock  at  night  the  regiment  established  camp  near 
Laytonsville,  having  completed  the  second  march  of 
ten  miles.  On  Wednesday,  the  10th  day  of  Septen> 
ber,  camp  was  again  broken,  and  they  marched  out  in 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  125 

the  direction  of  Frederick.     "When  on  the  road  about 
four  miles,  orders  were  received  to  return. 

The  next  day  the  regiment  left  the  encampment 
near  Laytonsville  at  about  nine  o'clock  A.M.,  and  pro 
ceeded  on  the  road  toward  Frederick  again,  passing 
the  town  of  Damascus  at  half-past  one  P.M.,  and  at 
five  o'clock  pitched  camp  a  little  south  of  Eidgeville, 
having  marched  about  fifteen  miles.  Just  before 
"tattoo,"  Lieut.-Colonel  Kimball  called  the  men  to 
gether,  and  taking  from  his  pocket  a  newspaper,  began 
to  read  to  them  of  the  fight  in  which  Company  F  had 
engaged  near  Plymouth,  and  of  the  daring  exploit  of 
Sergeant  Green.  The  victorious  F's  were  long  and 
loudly  cheered  by  their  comrades,  who,  though  sep 
arated  from  them  many  hundreds  of  miles,  were  thus 
assured  that  their  name  and  valor  would  be  represent 
ed  in  a  manner  well  becoming  their  reputation.  It 
rained  heavily  all  night. 

Early  in  the  morning  the  march  was  again  taken 
up,  the  regiment  keeping  upon  the  main  turnpike 
that  crosses  the  Monocacy  direct  for  Frederick,  which 
had  been  invaded  by  the  rebel  troops  under  Jackson. 
The  town  of  New-Market  was  passed  through  at  one 
o'clock,  and  about  half-past  three  o'clock  the  column 
was  halted  under  the  brow  of  the  Monocacy  ridge, 
and  shortly  after  intermittent  firing  was  heard  a  short 
distance  ahead.  It  seems  that  our  advance  had 
reached  the  rear  of  the  rebel  army,  a  small  force  of 
which  threw  a  few  shot  and  shell  at  the  Union  ad 
vance-guard,  more  with  the  intention  of  hurling  de 
fiance  at  them  than  the  idea  of  offering  resistance  by 
disputing  the  passage  of  the  Monocacy  bridge.  Our 


126  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

cavalry  pursued  the  flying  rear-guard  of  the  enemy, 
pushing  them  through  the  city  up  into  the  Catoctin 
mountains.  The  advance  was  again  taken  up  by 
General  Rodman's  division ;  the  ridge  was  descended, 
the  bridge  was  crossed ;  and  when  the  column  was 
within  half  a  mile  of  the  outskirts  of  Frederick  City, 
it  filed  off  to  the  left,  until  the  whole  had  reached  the 
open  field  across  the  railroad,  when  they  marched 
into  brigade  line  over  fences  and  through  the  high- 
topped  corn,  where  the  points  of  the  colors  only  could 
be  seen  by  which  to  keep  the  line,  overleaping  every 
obstacle,  or  throwing  it  prostrate  in  the  path.  A 
double  picket-fence  was  one  of  the  obstructions  that 
stood  in  the  line  of  advance  in  front  of  the  right  wing 
of  the  "  Ninth ;"  but  the  men  easily  swept  it  down 
with  the  butts  of  their  muskets. 

Troops  were  now  pouring  into  the  city  upon  all  the 
roads  east  and  south.  The  "Ninth  "  pitched  its  camp 
upon  the  rocky  bluff  that  looks  down  upon  the  rail 
road  close  by  the  depot. 

It  was  a  night  of  the  wildest  excitement  in  the 
streets  of  Frederick.  Never  again  will  the  avenues 
resound  with  the  same  wild  burst  of  enthusiasm — the 
clamor  of  an  army  mingled  with  the  gladsome  shouts 
of  the  populace,  who  seized  upon  every  occasion  to 
exhibit  their  practical  loyalty  to  the  starry  banner,  by 
extending  with  welcoming  arms  of  hospitality  every 
sort  of  kindness  and  liberality  to  the  brave  veterans 
who  had  unfurled  its  protecting  stripes  over  their 
helpless  heads. 

When  the  enemy  took  possession  of  the  city  not  a 
Union  flag  and  but  very  few  rebel  banners  were  to 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  127 

be  seen.  The  houses  were  universally  shut  in  the 
faces  of  the  traitors ;  but  when  the  Union  forces  ar 
rived  the  streets  bloomed  out  as  profusely  as  a  garden 
with  flowers,  and  everywhere  the  army  was  received 
with  a  joyous  outburst  that  will  be  remembered  for 
many  a  day. 

Soldiers  in  the  street  were  taken  by  the  hand  and 
invited  to  share  the  evening  meal  just  spread.* 

One  Zouave  met  an  old  friend,  the  proprietor  of  a 
saloon.  After  being  asked  in  he  saw  a  bill  of  reward 
offered  for  a  runaway  slave  posted  on  the  wall.  "  I 
posted  that  up  for  the  rebels,"  said  the  proprietor ; 
"  but  this"  he  continued,  raising  the  paper,  "  I  hung 
here  for  you,  boys."  There  was  displayed  a  colored 
engraving  of  the  charge  of  the  Hawkins  Zouaves  at 
Koanoke  Island.  It  is  sufficient  to  add  that  the 
Zouaves  were  favorites  among  all  with  whom  they 
came  in  contact. 

*  Note  L  iii  Appendix. 


128  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 


PART    TENTH 

to  $ntietam, 


ON  the  morning  of  the  13th,  the  regiment  received 
orders  to  go  out  and  support  Rush's  Lancers, 
who  were  endeavoring  to  push  back  the  rebel  videttes 
and  skirmishers,  but  unable  to  do  so  in  the  absence  of 
the  necessary  cooperation  of  infantry.  While  passing 
through  the  city  the  Zouaves  displayed  some  of  their 
best  marching,  and  'the  applause  of  the  congregated 
multitude  fully  expressed  their  admiration  of  the  excel 
lent  soldierly  qualities  of  men  who  could  exhibit  the 
superiority  of  their  drilling  with  such  perfect  noncha 
lance  while  moving  immediately  upon  the  enemy  —  it 
being  supposed  at  the  time,  and  not  without  found 
ation,  that  they  were  to  fight  a  battle  within  the  next 
hour. 

They  proceeded  out  of  the  city  toward  Jefferson. 
City,  and  soon  arrived  at  the  spot  where  the  Lan 
cers  had  come  to  a  halt  in  the  face  of  the  enemy.  It 
was  immediately  ascertained  that  the  rebels  had  a 
mountain  howitzer  in  the  road  upon  "the  hill  in  front, 
but  with  what  force  it  was  supported  it  was  not 
known.  Companies  C  and  I  were  sent  to  the  right 
of  the  road,  and  B  to  the  left,  to  deploy  and  advance 
under  cover  as  skirmishers,  to  be  followed  up  by  the 

1 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  129 

main  force  on  the  road.  For  a  long  while  the  flank 
ers  advanced,  removing  huge  obstacles  that  lay  in  the 
way,  up  hill  and  down,  through  wood  and  stream. 
The  force  on  the  right  captured  one  rebel  picket ;  on 
the  left  a  corporal  gave  rapid  chase  through  a  broken 
ravine  for  another  of  the  enemy's  pickets,  who,  how 
ever,  succeeded  in  making  his  escape.  Fearing  to  be 
outflanked  by  this  practical  demonstration  upon  either 
side,  the  rebels  adopted  a  precipitate  retreat,  using 
horses  to  haul  the  howitzer.  They  were  eagerly  pur 
sued  by  the  "Ninth,"  but  fear  lending  the  enemy  un 
usual  celerity,  their  escape  became  merely  a  matter  ot 
speed. 

Jefferson  City  was  reached,  arms  stacked  in  the 
main  street,  and  picket-guard  thrown  out  around  the 
vicinity.  The  inhabitants  threw  open  their  doors  and 
shared  their  substance  with  the  Zouaves,  who  were  in 
vited  in.  Milk,  butter,  and  fruits,  in  great  variety 
and  abundance,  were  given  by  the  people,  and  readily 
devoured  by  the  hungry  men.  At  about  six  o'clock 
in  the  evening  the  regiment  resumed  its  arms,  draw 
ing  in  all  the  pickets,  save  that  of  Sergeant  Jackson, 
who  was  unfortunately  left  on  post  with  his  men,  and 
set  about  on  the  return,  reaching  Frederick  about 
eleven  o'clock  at  night,  having  marched  about  twen 
ty-five  miles,  many  of  the  skirmishers  far  overreach 
ing  that  distance. 

Orders  were  received  to  be  ready  again  to  move  at 
two  ^o'clock  the  next  morning,  and  the  men  imme 
diately  betook  themselves  to  rest.  But  a  fire  in  the 
city  interrupted  their  repose,  and  the  Zouaves  turned 
out  to  act  as  firemen.  The  jail,  in  which  a  number 


130  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

of  prisoners  were  lodged  was  in  flames  ;  some  of  the 
Zouaves  surrounded  it  and  prevented  their  escape, 
while  others  extinguished  the  fire ;  after  which  they 
once  more  lay  down  in  their  little  tents.  But  it 
seemed  as  though  they  had  scarce  closed  their  eyes 
again  when  reveille  was  sounded,  and  they  were 
obliged  to  rouse  themselves  once  more.  It  was  al 
most  impossible  for  them,  in  such  an  exhausted  con 
dition,  to  get  up  and  "  put  on  their  armor ;"  and  it 
may  be  pardonable  if  they  did  it  with  less  alacrity 
than  usual,  for  it  called  for  all  the  stern  stuff  soldiers 
are  made  of. 

The  sergeant  of  the  guarcl  that  night  writes  that 
"it  was  almost  impossible  to  keep  awake;  but  tired 
as  I  was,  I  dared  not  sit  down  for  the  fear  of  going  to 
sleep  if  I  allowed  myself  a  moment's  rest ;  so  I  was 
forced  to  keep  moving  on  my  feet  all  the  long  night, 
and  that  too  in  the  anticipation  of  marching  all  the 
next  day — wondering  how  long  it  would  be  before  I 
should  drop  down  from  sheer  exhaustion.  But  only 
those  who  have  tried  it  know  what  man  is  capable  of 
enduring.  It  was  almost  futile  to  attempt  to  put  on  the 
third  relief,  for  they  were  allowed  to  sleep  a  couple  of 
hours,  and  as  soon  as  one  man  was  stirred  up  to  duty 
another  would  go  to  sleep.  The  drum-corps,  who  were 
now  ordered  to  beat  reveille,  were  found  to  be  in  the 
same  fix.  I  pulled  them  by  the  heels,  raised  them  up 
and  rolled  them  over,  but  to  no  purpose,  I  could  not 
waken  them;  when  a  thought  occurred  to  nfe — I 
seized  a  drum  and  beat  it  wildly  about  their  ears, 
when  suddenly  they  roused  themselves,  took  their 
drums  in  the  most  mechanical  manner,  and  beat  the 


THEIR  BATTLES   AND  MARCHES.  131 

reveille  with  only  what  little  spirit  was  required  to 
get  out  the  rolls  and  flams." 

At  about  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  14th, 
the  regiment  left  camp  and  passed  out  of  the  city, 
going  by  the  way  of  Fairville  and  Jerusalem,  arriving 
at  Middletown  near  ten  o'clock  A.M.  Marching  up 
a  portion  of  the  heights  that  overlook  the  town,  they 
pitched  their  tents,  and  were  allowed  to  rest  awhile. 
A  few  crackers  and  a  little  coffee  were  given  them — 
some  of  the  men  devouring  their  whole  rations  before 

O 

leaving  the  spot. 

Orders  were  received  to  strike  tents  again  at  two 
o'clock  P.M.,  which  they  did  in  great  haste  and  order, 
with  some  little  desire  to  atone  for  their  seeming  tar 
diness  of  the  early  morning,  and  took  up  their  march 
in  the  direction  of  the  battle  in  advance,  which  at' this 
time  was  being  opened  briskly.  The  Zouaves  forded 
a  small  stream  at  the  foot  of  South-Mountain,  and 
struck  into  a  narrow  and  stony  road  leading  up  to  the 
summit.  When  passing  up  its  steep  side  they  received 
intelligence  of  the  contest  from  the  wounded,  who 
were  fast  being  brought  to  the  rear,  "and,"  it  was 
added,  "the  rebels  are  impudent  and  not  afraid  to 
show  themselves."  The  "Ninth"  preferred  a  frank, 
open  iight,  and  pushed  up  the  mountain  vigorously, 
in  the  hope  of  reaching  the  field  in  time  to  engage 
themselves  in  the  noble  work  of  dislodging  the  enemy 
from  his  strong  position.  The  way  was  tortuous  and 
difficult,  and  it  was  not  until  five  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon  that  they  reached  the  scene  of  conflict,  when  the 
Ohio  division  charged  up  the  steep  heights  and  drove 
the  enemy  back  into  the  wood  that  covered  the  oppo- 


132  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

site  side  of  the  mountain.  The  first  brigade  of  Gen 
eral  Rodman's  division  ascended  to  the  summit,  and 
there  lay  quietly  supporting  a  heavy  battery,  the 
"Ninth"  on  the  right  of  the  line. 

The  enemy  had  concealed  themselves  in  a  close 
copse  of  laurel  on  the  western  slope  of  the  mountain,- 
lying  like  a  catamount  in  wait,  and  then  sprang  from 
their  cover  with  great  fierceness,  making  an  impet 
uous  charge  upon  the  battery,  discharging  their  pieces 
at  the  moment  they  came  in  view  of  the  force  against 
whom  they  were  to  dash  themselves.  But  it  was  only 
as  the  rush  of  breakers  upon  a  huge  rock — there  was  a 
great  roar  and  considerable  foam,  but  the  adamantine 
wall  stood  fast  and  replied  so  violently  that  the  surg 
ing  tide  rolled  back  with  great  loss.  The  bullets  for 
a  moment  filled  the  air,  but  all  cleared  away  and  the 
"stars"  shone  brilliantly  in  their  azure  field,  seeming 
ly  brighter  from  the  fire. 

About  dark  the  regiment  was  put  on  picket  to 
guard  the  extreme  left  of  the  army.  Company  K's 
battery  was  on  the  reserve,  supported  by  several  com 
panies,  and  so  stationed  as  to  sweep  any  attacking 
party  who  should  strive  to  force  the  picket-line.  An 
incessant  fire  was  kept  up  between  General  Reno's* 
command  and  the  force  of  the  enemy  opposed  to  him 
for  about  two  hours  after  dark';  but  on  the  left  all  re 
mained  comparatively  quiet  throughout  the  night. 

On  the  following  day  the  "Ninth"  was  relieved, 
remaining  on  the  reserve.  Rations  were  expected, 
but  owing  to  the  stupidity  of  some  wagon -master 

*  It  was  at  this  time  that  the  lamented  Reno  met  his  death. 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND    MARCHES.  133 

were  taken  on  the  wrong  road,  and  the  men  were 
obliged,  notwithstanding  the  army  had  abundant 
supplies,  to  forage  for  what  little  they  could  obtain 
from  corn  and  potato-fields  previously  gone  over  by 
rebels,  and  from  the  haversacks  of  the  dead.  From 
the  latter  some  sugar  and  tough  biscuits  were  taken. 

About  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the  "  Ninth " 
was  ordered  forward  again.  At  the  top  of  the  moun 
tain  they  struck  into  the  rough  and  narrow  road 
before  mentioned,  and  while  going  down  the  western 
side  beheld  a  scene  which  gave  horrible  testimony  to 
the  severity  of  the  conflict  of  the  day  before,  and  the 
disastrous  loss  of  the  enemy.  The  dead  lay  piled  in 
heaps  upon  either  side  of  the  road,  their  faces  ghastly 
and  black,  and  their  bodies  shrunk  to  skeletons.  It 
was  estimated  that  several  hundreds  had  fallen  in  one 
spot.  Their  numbers  were  so  great  upon  the  road 
that  it  was  necessary  -to  remove  them  before  passage 
could  be  made  by  the  troops. 

The  Zouaves,  with  the  rest  of  the  corps,  now 
pressed  forward  hotly  upon  the  rear  of  the  flying 
rebels,  crossed  Little  Antietam  Creek  near  Keedys- 
ville,  forded  another  small  stream,  shortly  afterward 
passing  Locust  Spring.  The  men  were  ready  to  drop 
from  the  excessive  fatigue  they  had  undergone  for  the 
past  week,  and  it  was  thought  judicious  as  well  as 
humane  to  allow  them  a  little  rest.  They  were  ac 
cordingly  much  rejoiced  when  they  learned  that  their 
labors  were  so  near  ended  for  that  night,  it  being 
about  eleven  o'clock.  They  stopped  at  the  foot  of 
Eed  Hill  and  immediately  prostrated  themselves  for 
repose,  taking  no  time  to  make  shelter,  but  wishing 
7 


134  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

heartily  for  some  rations  with  which  to  appease  their 
hunger.    But  the  wagons  could  nowhere  be  found,  and 

O  o 

therefore  resolution  was  called  for  to  fast  yet  awhjle. 
On  the  morning  following  it  was  expected  the 
"  Ninth "  would  move  again,  and  orders  were  re 
ceived  by  Lieut-Colonel  Kimball  to  that  effect ;  but 
General  Rodman,  riding  by  at  the  time,  was  accosted 
by  him,  who  said  it  would  be  utterly  impossible  for 
the  "Ninth"  to  move  an  inch  further  without  pro 
visions.  Whereupon  the  General  inquired  into  their 
condition,  and  learning  the  facts,  he  expressed  great 
astonishment  and  deep  regret  that  the  men  had  been 
the  victims  of  such  treatment  in  the  midst  of  plenty. 
They  should  have  rations  of  coffee  and  crackers  as 
soon  as  they  could  be  supplied.  About  this  time  a 
sergeant  and  corporal  took  their  canteens  and  went 
below  to  Locust  Spring  to  fill  them ;  having  done  so 
they  returned  through  the  orchard  of  Mr.  Ghetting, 
near  where  some  artillery  lay  parked.  While  leaping 
a  fence  the  soldiers  both  at  once  espied  a  cracker 
lyins;  upon  the  plowed  ground,  and  both  simulta 
neously  sprang  for  it.  Seeing  the  movement,  a  gun 
ner,  who  was  standing  near  by,  exclaimed :  "  What, 
are  you  red-heads  so  near  starving  as  all  that !  Come 
over  in  the  field  and  you  shall  have  as  much  as  you 
can  carry."  The  two  Zouaves  were  directed  to  help 
themselves  from  half-depleted  cracker-boxes,  "  O 
joy ! "  said  they.  The  haversack  brought  with  them 
was  filled,  their  pockets  crowded,  and  as  they  began 
stuffing  their  shirts  to  the  waist-belt,  said  the  sergeant, 
"I  shall  take  some  to  my  brother;  won't  he  be  glad?" 
"And  I,"  said  the  corporal,  "will  surprise  my  mess- 


THEIR  BATTLES  AXD  MARCHES.  135 

mates  when  I  get  Lack ;  they  shall  have  as  many  as 
they  want."  The  gunner  smiled  slightly  and  wiped 
his  eye  with  his  coat-sleeve.  When  they  reached 
camp  they  found  that  General  Rodman  had  furnished 
the  regiment  rations — the  quantity  issued  being  one 
spoonful  of  coffee,  one  spoonful  of  sugar,  and  eight  or 
ten  crackers. 

About  eight  o'clock  A.M.  of  the  16th,  the  rebels 
opened  their  batteries  upon  the  Union  forces,  who 
replied  vigorously ;  the  interchange  of  shot  and  shell 
lasting  till  eleven  o'clock,  when  the  enemy  retired. 
The  "Ninth"  met  with  no  severe  loss.  At  live 
o'clock  P.M.  the  regiment  was  again  ordered  forward, 
and  after  reaching  the  line  of  battle — already  formed 
in  the  immediate  front  of  the  enemy — they  were  led 
off  by  General  Rodman  to  the  left,  and  shortly  after 
dark  arrived  at  the  extreme  left  of  the  army.  The 
night  was  black  as  ebony,  and  gave  promise  of  a 
storm.  The  flank  was  now  led  out  further  by  one 
of  the  General's  staff,  the  utmost  caution  being  ob 
served  as  they  advanced,  and  the  greatest  silence 
maintained  so  that  no  noise  that  could  be  distin 
guished  for  even  a  few  rods  was  made.  The  other 
regiments  of  the  brigade  were  conducted  in  the  same 
silent  manner,  but  somewhat  to  the  rear,  forming  a 
sort  of  echelon  by  the  flank  on  the  "Ninth."  The 
latter  had  now  reached  a  piece  of  wood,  along  the 
edge  of  which  they  proceeded  through  a  cornfield, 
but  had  gone  only  a  few  yards  when  a  rushing  sound, 
as  of  the  heavy  tramp  of  soldiery  coming  down  the 
hill  upon  their  left,  warned  every  man  to  stand  ready 
and  firm  to  meet  the  supposed  attack.  "  Fix  bayo- 


136  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES: 

net ! "  said  Lient.-Colonel  Kimball.  The  order  was 
executed  almost  before  it  was  given,  and  the  men 
stoutly  faced  the  danger.  General  Rodman  rushed  to 
the  spot,  that  he  might  take  immediate  charge  of  the 
coming  conflict.  Soon  the  command  of  "  Halt,  halt !" 
several  times  given  was  distinguished  above  the  stifled 
clamor  that  now  distinctly  revealed  the  tramping  ad 
vance  of  a  supposed  enemy.  A  moment  after  and 
all  was  again  quiet ;  the  Zouaves  were  confronted  at 
only  a  few  paces  distant  by  the  One  Hundred  and 
Third  New- York  Volunteers.  But  had  the  Germans 
continued  to  advance  but  a  moment  longer,  they 
would  surely  have  received  a  volley  of  musketry, 
and  their  proximity  gives  conception  of  the  terrible 
slaughter  that  would  have  ensued,  The  regiment 
again  proceeded  forward,  an  advance-guard  detached 
from  Company  B  testing  the  safety  of  the  ground 
ahead.  Greater  stealth  was  now  assumed,  for  it  was 
supposed  the  enemy  were  making  the  same  maneuver 
in  order  to  effect  a  flanking  in  the  morning,  should  it 
be  deemed  possible  or  politic,  and  therefore  it  was 
anticipated  that  the  two  forces  would  .soon  come  in 
contact  with  each  other.  But  the  position  at  first 
designed  by  the  Union  General  was  taken  up  without 
meeting  the  expected  resistance,  and  the  "Ninth" 
halted  and  lay  on  their  arms.  Shortly  after,  the 
Eighty-ninth  and  One  Hundred  and  Third  New- York 
Volunteers  followed  the  example  of  the  Zouaves,  and 
were  placed  on  the  extreme  flank.  It  rained  during 
the  night. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  17th  the  troops  who 
had  taken  their  station  in  the  corn-field  were  ordered 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  137 

to  lie  low,  that  the  work  of  the  night  before  might  not 
readily  be  discovered.     But  owing  to  some  careless 
ness  on  the  left  of  the  brigade,  the  line  was  exposed 
to  the  searching  glance  of  the  rebels,  who  could  be 
plainly  seen  on  the  opposite  high  bank  of  Antietam 
Creek.     Officers,  apparently  of  the  staff,  were  seen 
to  gallop  up  from  behind  the  hill,  take  out  their 
glasses,  view  the  location  intently,  and  after  obtain 
ing  what  view  they  desired,  or  what  knowledge  of  the 
situation  might  be  had,  they  posted  back  again  in  all 
haste ;   and  soon  the  activity  of  the  rebels  in  that 
quarter  suggested  the  idea  that  they  were  placing  a 
battery  to  dislodge  the  brigade.     Picket-firing  now 
began  between  the  forces,   and  shortly  after  shells 
came  flying  wildly  over  the  heads  of  the  Federal 
troops.     But  the   rebels  were   not   long   in   getting 
range,  so  that'  after  a  few  discharges  the  shells  were 
dropped   with    some   precision    in   the   line   of   the 
First  brigade,  their  fire  being  more  particularly  di 
rected  to  the  "  Ninth,"  as  their  red  caps  were  plainly 
visible.     The  firing  from  the  enemy's  battery  finally 
became  so  severe  that  General  Rodman  thought  it 
necessary  to  fall  back  a  short  distance,  under  cover  of 
the  hill  and  wood  just  in  the  rear.    After  the  "  Ninth  " 
had  lost  fourteen  men  wounded,  the  order  to  execute 
the  retrograde  movement  was  given,  and  the  whole 
brigade  was  faced   about,  and  marched  to  the  rear, 
while  the  shell  came  thicker  and  faster.     "While  the 
regiment  .was  passing  the  open  space  upon  top  of  the 
hill,  a  piece  of  railroad  iron,  about  ten  inches  long, 
thrown  from  the  enemy's  gun,  struck  the  ground  and 
came  dancing  on  with  no  very  great  speed,  and  while 


138  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES: 

it  took  its  general  course  for  Lieut.-Colonel  Kimball, 
it  floundered  about  like  a  headless  hen.  At  this  com 
ical  sight  the  men  were  forced  to  laugh,  though  it 
was  a  missile  of  death.  But  he  dashed  the  spurs  into 
his  horse,  and  succeeding  in  eluding  it ;  and  it  sank 

*  o  o         / 

exhausted  at  the  feet  of  the  regiment.  The  life  the 
cannon's  breath  had  put  in  it  was  extinct.  The  force 
soon  got  under  cover,  and  the  rebels  now,  no  longer 
retaining  knowledge  of  their  precise  position,  slack 
ened  fire,  and  at  last  ceased  altogether. 


THEIR  BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  139 


PART    ELEVENTH  : 
Jfattetam  to  pleasant 


WHILE  a  great  battle  was  being  fought  on  the 
right  and  in  the  centre  of  the  army,  the  great 
force  which  composed  the  left  wing  remained  inactive 
during  the  fore  part  of  the  day.  Had  they  been  prop 
erly  used  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  rebel  army  would 
have  been  completely  destroyed. 

After  noon  the  Third  division  was  placed  in  line 
upon  a  hill  sloping  to  Antietam  Creek.  On  the  left 
of  the  "Ninth,"  Company  K's  battery  was  ordered 
into  position  ;  and  there  the  troops  lay  for  a  long 
time,  anxiously  awaiting  the  issue  of  the  contest, 
which  seemed  dangerously  suspended  over  their 
heads  all  the  day.  Tne  weather  was  charming,  and 
as  the  troops  looked  around  upon  the  quiet  scenery 
they  could  scarcely  realize  that  a  great  battle  was 
going  on.  The  artillery  of  both  sides,  placed  in  line 
of  battle  for  miles  in  extent,  now  opened  upon  each 
other  with  a  furious  discharge  of  shot  and  shell, 
making  a  most  imposing  as  well  as  an  awful  sight. 
Skirmishing  prevailed  in  the  immediate  front  of  the 
Third  division,  and  the  dead  and  wounded  dotted  the 
ground  thickly. 

Company  K's  battery  sent  shell  after  shell  into  the 


140  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

willows  and  pines  that  covered  the  opposite  bank  of 
the  creek,  and  soon  the  dislodged  enemy  could  be 
seen  digging  up  the  steep  hill  with  fearful  exertions 
.to  gain  cover  beyond.  Some  cavalry  also  further  to 
the  left  were  routed. 

The  rebels  evidently  anticipated  a  movement  by 
the  Union  troops  under  cover  of  this  fire,  for  they 
immediately  threw  out  their  skirmishers  upon  the 
hill  in  order  to  feel  any  advance  contemplated  in 
that  direction.  But  a  few  shell  from  Company  K 
gave  them  a  chance  to  smell  the  battle  not  afar  off. 
They  bowed  a  few  times  to  the  dust  by  way  of  acknow 
ledging  that  the  fire  was  well  directed,  and  then 
retired  more  confused  than  graceful. 

General  Sturgis  had  charged  the  bridge  across  the 
Antietam  and  carried  it,  and  the  Third  division  was 
now  led  forward  to  the  ford  below,  to  force  a  crossing 
at  that  point.  The  "  Ninth  "  reached'  the  place  after 
struggling  through  the  tangled  wood  and  over  the 
debris  of  broken  rock  and  fallen  trees,  and  at  once 
sprang  into  the  water,  the  sharp-shooters  upon  the 
heights  beyond  disputing  their  efforts  to  cross.  But 
the  Zouaves  pushed  against  the  swift  current,  and 
scorning  to  halt  for  all  other  opposition,  reached  the 
opposite  shore.  The  other  regiments  of  the  brigade 
crossed  afterward,  and  ascending  the  hills  on  the  left, 
drove  back  the  rebels  there  lodged  behind  the  stone 
walls,  and  whose  fire  was  becoming  too  annoying  to 
withstand  when  it  was  in  the  power  of  the  Union 
troops  to  stop  it. 

The  "  Ninth  "  then  attempted  to  ascend  the  rocky 
and  wooded  cliff  directly  in  their  front,  but  their 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  141 

efforts  in  that  direction  were  unavailing  ;  for  they 
had  not  proceeded  far,  when  towering  rocks  that 
could  not  be  scaled  confronted  them,  and  the  regi 
ment,  therefore,  was  broken  into  detachments  and 
sent  to  the  right  and  left,  in  order  to -drive  therefrom 
any  rebels  that  might  be  secreted  in  the  wood  ;  and 
in  this  manner,  after  overcoming  many,  difficulties, 
they  gained  the  summit,  and  effected  a  junction  with 
the  troops  who  had  just  forced  the  bridge  and  carried 
the  heights  beyond  it  by  a  murderous  assault.  A 
number  of  rebels,  wounded,  no  doubt,  by  company 
K's  shell,  had  been  deposited  by  their  comrades  upon 
a  stack  of  straw,  which  had  taken  fire  when  the 
pickets  and  sharp-shooters  were  dislodged.  Some 
of  them  were  literally  roasted  alive,  when  the  ad 
vent  of  the  Union  troops  saved  the  others  from  a 
like  fate. 

A  grand  and  imposing  line  of  battle  was  now  formed 
by  the  troops  composing  the  left  wing  of  the  army. 
For  about  the  space  of  two  hours  all  remained  quiet 
in  this  position,  and  the  soldiers  looked  well  to  their 
arms  and  ammunition.  The  rebels  had  apparently 
drawn  back  into  their  chosen  position  behind  the 
stone  walls,  which  they  had  strengthened  until  they 
were  thought  to  be  sufficiently  formidable,  their  artil 
lery  opening  as  a  prelude  to  the  havoc  which  was 
about  commencing. 

Shells  were  thrown  wide  of  their  mark  at  first,  as 
though  they  had  not  ascertained  the  precise  location 
of  the  Union  forces.  But  it  seemed  no  difficult  mat 
ter  to  judge  of  their  whereabouts  sufficient  for  the 
purpose  of  shelling,  as  it  was  known  that  they  had 


142  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

crossed  the  creek  and  had  not  passed  over  the  hill 
either  to  the  right  or  to  the  left ;  consequently  it  must 
have  been  inferred  that  they  lay  just  under  the  brow 
of  the  heights.  And  this  was  undoubtedly  the  con 
clusion  they  had  arrived  at,  for  they  persisted  in 
throwing  the  shell,  which  every  moment  touched 
nearer  and  nearer  the  object  aimed  at.  The  artillery 
of  General  Burnside's  corps,  still  remaining  upon  the 
hills  east  of  the  Antietam,  replied  to  the  rebel  batter 
ies  with  a  savage  spirit,  and  although,  inflicting  much 
injury,  was  unable  to  suppress  their  fire,  which  now 
became  more  deadly  to  the  troops  of  the  Third  divi 
sion.  The  "  Ninth "  lay  exceedingly  low,  many  of 
the  shell  striking  in  front  of  them  and  ricocheting 
over  their  heads  before  exploding ;  others,  more  un 
fortunately,  striking  and  bursting  in  the  ranks,  kill 
ing  and  wounding  half  a  dozen-  men  at  each  dis 
charge. 

Captain  Gardner,  formerly  Assistant  Adjutant-Gen 
eral  on  the  staff  of  General  Parke,  stood  in  the  rear 
of  Company  II,  a  little  down  the  hill,  holding  with 
considerable  exertion  his  frightened  horse  by  the 
bridle,  when  a  small  shell  exploded  between  his  head 
and  that  of  his  horse,  the  innumerable  fragments  scat 
tering  in  all  directions  with  a  terrible  whirr.  Both 
master  and 'horse  were  blinded  for  a  moment,  and 
those  who  saw  the  incident  expected  to  see  them  both 
fall  torn  in  pieces,  but  instead,  witnessed  one  of  those 
narrow  escapes  which  can  only  be  ascribed  to  the 
marvelous  protection  of  other  powers  than  those  of 
chance.  The  horse  alone  received  a  slight  scratch  on 
one  of  his  legs. 


TIIEIB   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  143 

Short!}7  after,  a  large  shell  "burst  directly  among 
the  color-guard,  piercing  the  colors  in  many  places, 
killing  three,  wounding  four,  and  the  remaining  cor 
poral  was  rolled  over  and  over  down  the  hill  for  sev 
eral  yards.  Corporal  Fink  was  badly  bruised,  and 
laid  by  for  two  weeks,  his  sufferings  resembling  rheu 
matic  pains.  He  rejoined  his  regiment,  and  was  pro 
moted  to  the  rank  of  color-bearer. 

Lieut.- Colonel  Kimball  was  impatiently  walking 
up  and  down  the  line,  anxious  for  the  battle  to  begin, 
being  firmly  impressed  with  the  presage  that  he  would 
never  be  killed  on  the  field  of  battle — and  he  was 
not. 

At  length  General  Rodman  came  along,  and  after 
surveying  the  position  for  a  moment,  sent  forward  a 
company  from  the  "  Ninth  "  as  skirmishers,  and  soon 
after  they  had  engaged  those  of  the  enemy,  who  fell 
back,  the  General  gave  the  command  of,  "  First  bri 
gade  !  Forward  !" 

Eagerly  did  the  men  spring  to  their  feet ;  and  the 
activity  with  which  they  obeyed  the  order  indicated 
the  anxiety  they  had  experienced  to  be  delivered  from 
the  wearing  suspense  they  were  kept  in  all  day.  As 
they  reached  the  top  of  the  hill,  they  were  openly  ex 
posed  to  the  full  sweep  of  the  rebel  batteries  in  front; 
and  as  they  pushed  on,  they  left  their  fallen  comrades 
by  the  score  upon  the  ground.  But  no  enemy  was 
yet  to  be  seen,  and  another  elevation  was  before  them. 
Fences  and  other  obstructions  were  to  be  surmounted, 
and  many  fell  in  the  various  attitudes  of  climbing. 
When  they  had  approached  the  second  hill,  they 
trampled  over  several  brigades  lying  under  protection 


144:  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES  : 

of  its  favorable  elevation.  It  seemed  a  secure  place, 
none  of  the  rebel  batteries  being  able  to  reach  it  with 
their  shell.  Would  the  "Mntli"  seek  its  cover? 
The  thought  might  have  suggested  a  refuge  in  such 

O  o  OO  O 

an  hour  of  peril  as  a  secure  retreat  for — cowards. ' 
But  it  does  not  seem  by  their  conduct  that  there  was 
any  disposition  to  avail  themselves  of  the  chance. 
They  shouted  along  the  line,  as  upon  a  former  occa 
sion,  urging  the  inactive  troops  to  rise  up  and  rush 
upon  the  enemy,  at  the  same  time  the  action  of  the 
Zouaves  expressing  their  intention  of  taking  the  lead. 
Seeing  that  they  did  not  stir,  but  cringed  lower  be 
neath  the  rebel  fire,  the  "  Ninth"  rushed  forward. 

The  regiment  hurried  on,  and  soon  reached  the  top 
of  the  second  hill,  where  again  they  were  forced  to 
face  the  tornado  of  shot  and  shell,  now  augmented  by 
a  battery  the  rebels  had  placed  far  to  the  right,  cut 
ting  the  Union  troops  with  a  severe  enfilading  fire. 
The  Zouaves  did  not  blench  before  this  new  destruc 
tion,  but  impetuously  pressed  onward,  that  they  might 
meet  hand  to  hand  a  murderous  foe  they  could  not 
see,  and  whose  fire  they  could  not  yet  return,  and  put 
an  end  to  a  contest  that  presented  every  disadvan 
tage.  Men  fell  at  every  step,  but  still  "  Forward  !" 
was  the  shout  preceding  their  war-cry  of  "  Zoo-zoo- 
zoo  !"  They  passed  down  the  descent  that  made  a 
slight  vale,  and  soon  obtained  the  slope  of  the  other 
hill  in  advance  of  them,  where  a  halt  was  ordered  to 
gain  a  moment's  breath  for  the  final  requirements  of 
the  struggle,  which  all  felt  was  near  at  hand.  They 
had  advanced  a  long  distance  on  the  double-quick, 
and  this  occasion  for  a  moment's  respite  to  concen- 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  145 

trate  their  scattered  strength  was  most  opportune  and 
humane.  Lieut. -Colonel  timball  ordered  the  "bugler 
to  blow  the  "  assembly  of  the  Ninth,"  which  had  late 
ly  been  adopted  ;  it  was  done  in  a  blast  of  three  times 
three,  the  notes  sounding  clear  and  distinct  above 
the  din  of  cannon  and  bursting  shells,  and  served  not 
only  the  purpose  of  guiding  those  whose  strength  had 
not  enabled  them  to  keep  up  with  the  more  hardy 
veterans,  but  also  gave  a  shout  of  defiance  to  the 
enemy.  They  had  a  brief  but  never-to-be-forgotten 
opportunity  of  witnessing  the  terrible  loss  of  life  and 
blood  this  lengthy  but  rapid  charge  had  cost.  •  As 
far  back  as  they  could  see,  the  track  of  the  regiment 
was  strewn  with  the  slain,  who  dotted  the  earth  as  so 
many  footsteps  of  blood  to  the  victory  they  were  striv 
ing  for.  "With  each  sigh  for  the  fallen  came  addi 
tional  nerve  to  avenge  them,  as  their  eyes  traversed 
again  that  ladder  of  death  by  which  they  had  as 
cended. 

Immediately  in  the  rear  of  Company  B  was  a  group 
of  four  dead  Zouaves,  lying  one  across  the  other,  as 
though  they  had  stood  side  by  side  and  fallen  simul 
taneously.  One  man  went  quickly  to  them  and  care 
fully  turned  them  aside,  to  look  at  their  faces  and  see 
if  life  might  be  extinct — perhaps  of  a  brother.  He 
solemnly  shook  his  head  and  again  hastily  returned 
to  his  duty.  A  little  nearer,  and  behind  Company 
II,  lay  a  man  wounded  in  a  most  frightful  manner. 
The  lower  portion  of  his  jaw  had  been  carried  away, 
and  the  torn  fragments  that  remained,  together  with 
his  tongue,  clotted  with  gore,  hung  down  upon  his 
breast.  He  sustained  himself  with  one  hand  while 


146  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

with  the  other  he  proudly  waved  his  fez  in  the  air, 
an  action  that  interpreted  the  language  of  his  heart — 
"fallen,  "but  not  conquered." 

"  See  that !"  exclaimed  Lieut.-Colonel  Ivimball, 
pointing  excitedly  witli  his  sword  ;  "  isn't  that 
enough  to  make  you  fight  ?" 

The  men  looked  at  each  other,  and  the  tears  that 
then  mingled,  and  which  the  hot  and  hissing  shell 
could  not  stanch,  seemed  red  with  sympathetic  blood. 

The  command  "  Forward !"  was  again  given,  and 
the  "  Ninth,"  in  line  with  the  whole  division,  once 
more  advanced,  ascending  the  third  elevation,  which 
was  but  a  gentle  rise  upon  the  main  portion  of  the 
heights.  Up  to  this  time  they  had  received  the  fire 
of  artillery  only,  and  had  not  returned  a  shot ;  but  as 
they  arrived  near  the  top  of  the  ascent,  several  bri 
gades  of  rebel  infantry,  which  were  posted  behind  the 
stone  walls,  opened  at  once  a  galling  storm  of  bullets 
upon  them.  A  scene  of  carnage  now  ensued  too  ter 
rible  to  describe  ;  the  imagination,  however,  may  be 
aided  by  the  statistics,  which  estimate  that  from  the 
ranks  of  the  "  Ninth  "  alone  there  fell,  in  the  space  ol 
a  few  minutes,  about  two  hundred  men  killed  and 
wounded.  The  walls  in  front  fairly  bristled  with 
the  muskets  of  the  enemy.  The  Zouaves  -were  or 
dered  strictly  to  retain  their  fire  until  they  should 
have  approached  within  whispering  distance  of  the 
rebels,  then  to  give  them  a  hot  fire  of  "  Minie ;"  after 
ward  to  rush  upon  them  with  the  cold,  bright  bayo 
net  and  finish  the  work.  Therefore,  up  to  this  time 
they  had  withheld  their  fire;  but  when  a  stalwart 
rebel  raised  himself  head  and  shoulders  over  the  wall, 


THEIR   BATTLES  AND   MARCHES. 

opposite  Company  H,  every  man  who  saw  the  act  in 
the  two  right   companies    instantly  and   simultane 
ously  raised  his  rifle  and  sent  a  bullet  at  the  audacious 
foe.     He  was  afterward  found  with  about  a  dozen 
balls  in  his  head.     This  started  the  blaze  of  musketry 
along  the  whole  line,  for  the  left,  hearing  the  volleys, 
supposed  the  order  had  been  given  to  "commence 
firing ;"  for  the  din  of  battle  was  so  great,  a  command 
could  be  heard  only  by  a  few.     The  right  wing  fol 
lowed  the  same  action  for  a  similar  reason ;  and  the 
fire  of  the   enemy  was  now  returned  to  them  with 
such  fierceness  that  there  was  scarcely  a  hole  in  the 
wall  that  was  not  pierced,  and  a  finger  could  not  be 
raised   above   it  without   fear  of  amputation.     The 
"  Ninth "  still  advanced,  though   they  had  already 
approached  within  fifty  yards  of  the  rebel  brigade, 
many  of  which  lay  stretched  out  in  death  since  the 
Zouaves  began  to  fire.     Although  the  regiment  was 
well-nigh  exhausted  before  it  reached  this  spot,  yet 
when  they  saw  the  implacable  foe  almost  within  their 
grasp,  it  sent  renewed  vigor  to  their  hearts  and  new 
strength  to  their  nerves,  and  on,  still  on  they  rushed, 
maddened  at  the  thought  of  their  fallen  comrades. 
The  enemy  until  this  moment  had  felt  comparatively 
secure  behind  the  wall,  but  now  had  some  misgivings 
about  their  safety,  when  the  men  whom  they  sup 
posed  they  could  easily  repulse  still  came  on  with 
renewed  determination,  and  they  scattered  in  flight 
like  so  many  leaves. 

A  scene  of  the  wildest  confusion  took  place  when 
the  Zouaves  surmounted  the  wall.  Some  of  the  ene 
my  begged  for  mercy  on  the  spot,  while  others  resist- 


148  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

ed  with  right  good-will,  using  the  bayonet,  for  few, 
in  such  close  contact,  could  get  the  chance  to  re-load 
their  pieces.  Th  se  who  ran  away  were  quickly 
reached  with  bullets,  and  many  fell  in  their  cowardly 
flight ;  others  threw  down  their  arms  to  save  their 
lives  by  submission.  The  Zouaves  now  had  it  all 
their  own  way,  and  all  along  the  line  startling  inci 
dents  occurred  sufficient  to  fill  a  volume. 

The  colors  of  the  regiment  were  nobly  taken  care 
of.  Sergeant  Myers,  the  color-bearer,  had  been 
wounded,  and  fell,  but  upheld  the  flag  until  he  was 
relieved  by  another,  who  was  soon  shot.  Another 
seized  the  standard  and  bore  it  but  a  little  way  when 
he  also  fell.  A  very  young  Zouave  next  grasped  it 
firmly,  and  with  the  most  undaunted  courage  ran  out- 
many  yards  in  advance  of  the  line,  and  thus  becom 
ing  a  single  mark,  fell  with  many  bullets  piercing 
him.  Another  and  another  bore  the  colors,  but  both 
were  wounded.  Eight  men  successively  carried  it, 
and  each  fell,  killed  or  wounded.  But  it  was  tri 
umphantly  pknted  upon  the  spot  the  enemy  had 
occupied,  and  who  were  now  upon  a  hill  beyond. 

They  had  been  heavily  reinforced  by  troops  thrown 
from  their  left,  and  the  two  forces  now  did  but  little 
more  than  look  at  each  other.  Had  the  Union  troops 
again  assaulted  them  in  their  new  and  strong  posi 
tion,  they  would  undoubtedly  have  met  with  a  bloody 
repulse,  without  the  assistance  of  those  idle  brigades, 
which  should  have  been  used  on  the  flank ;  and  for 
this  reason  the  left  of  the  Federal  forces  fell  gently 
back  into  a  position  where  their  artillery  could  be 
effectively  used. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  149 

Among  the  prisoners  captured  were  some  few  of 
the  Third  Georgia — one  of  them  a  captain,  who  fell 
into  the  hands  of  the  Zouaves  at  the  battle  of  Cam- 
den — which  was  plain  evidence  that  the  "Ninth" 
had  met  the  same  regiment  three  times  in  fierce,  mor 
tal  combat,  (not  including  the  battle  of  Chicomocom- 
ico,  where  they  came  so  near  meeting,)  in  each  en 
gagement  defeating  it  badly,  and  capturing  a  number 
of  its  men.  It  is  related  by  a  Zouave  who  lost  a  leo- 

«/  -  o 

at  the  battle  of  Camden,  and  who  fell  into  the  hands 
of  the  rebels,  that  when  he  was  transported  from 
South-Mills  to  Norfolk,  he  was  placed  in  company 
with  some  of  the  wounded  of  the  Third  Georgia,  who 
were  not  in  very  placid  humor  after  their  defeat  on 
the  nineteenth  of  April ;  and  while  in  conversation 
with  them,  they  stated  that  they  had  been  extremely 
anxious  to  meet  the  Hawkins  Zouaves  since  the  bat 
tle  of  Roanoke,  where  they  did  not  have  a  fair  fight, 
being  scart  out  of  it ;  but  they  thought  now  that  the 
"  Third  "  might  rest  contented  with  every  desire  in 
that  respect  gratified.  It  may  be  presumed,  there 
fore,  that  at  the  battle  of  Antietain,  where  the  Geor 
gians  were  behind  the  stone-wall,  the  appearance  of 
the  "  Bed-caps  "  did  not  infuse  among  them  a  super 
fluous  degree  of  confidence  in  a  favorable  termination 
of  the  combat ;  and  their  sudden  flight,  together  with 
the  loss  they  sustained,  argues  strongly  that  they  had 
not  retracted  the  opinions  expressed  after  the  Camden 
fight. 

The  "  Ninth  "  bivouacked  at  night  in  the  face  of 
the  enemy,  and  although  they  numbered  some  three 
hundred  and  fifty  men  less  than  in  the  mornino*  of 


150  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES 

the  day,  and  there  was  not  a  mess  throughout  the 
whole  regiment  that  did  not  sadly  miss  its  mates,  yet 
so  exhausted  were  they  by  the  loss  of  strength  wasted 
in  the  late  struggle  that  they  lay  down  upon  the 
ground  and  wrapped  themselves  in  sound  slumber,  nor 
"  dreamed  of  home,"  nor  "  in  visions  fought  their  bat 
tles  over  again,"  to  "  show  how  fields  were  won ;" 
but  it  was  that  quiet  sleep  soldiers  can  take  when 
they  know  that  they  may  rest — "  their  warfare  o'er." 

But  the  night  passed,  and  the  next  day  dawned 
upon  the  battle-field,  gladdening  the  hearts  of  the 
suffering  wounded,  who  lay  helpless  between  the 
lines,  watching  for  the  first  peep  of  daylight  across 
the  Antietam.  A  single  shell  from  the  enemy  whiz 
zed  through  the  air,  but  met  with  no  response  from 
the  Union  side.  The  regiment  was  sent  out  on  pick 
et,  and  the  excitement  of  picket-firing  was  indulged 
in  to  the  extent  of  a  few  wounded.  In  the  afternoon 
it  was  relieved  by  a  New- York  regiment, 

Company  K  had  taken  up  a  position  on  a  high  hill 
commanding  the  enemy's  situation,  and  had  done  ex 
cellent  service,  dropping  a  continual  stream  of  shell 
into  their  line  of  skirmishers  and  their  supporters, 
driving  them  back  twice  with  great  loss.  The  com 
pany  forded  the  creek  under  a  heavy  fire,  and,  after 
expending  all  their  ammunition  in  the  hot  contest,  re- 
crossed  it ;  when  they  were  detailed  by  General  Burn- 
side  as  sharp-shooters,  which  position  they  occupied 
all  night  of  the  seventeenth,  and  all  day  of  the  eight 
eenth. 

The  regiment  had  recrossed  the  Antietam,  and  on 
the  night  of  the  eighteenth  bivouacked  near  a  hospi- 


THEIE  BATTLES   AND  MARCHES.  lol 

tal,  which  liad  just  been  established.  On  the  day  fol 
lowing,  orders  were  received  to  move  again  immedi 
ately.  About  eleven  o'clock  A.M.  the  line  was  formed, 
and  they  started  forward,  crossing  the  creek,  and  then 
passed  over  the  battle-field,  which  had  been  occupied 
by  the  enemy  for  some  time.  The  dead  were  being 
buried  and  the  wounded  removed  into  hospitals,  as 
fast  as  possible,  by  the  men  detailed  for  that  purpose. 
The  dead  had  been  stripped  by  the  rebels  of  almost 
every  thing  that  could  be  turned  to  their  service,  and 
many  indignities  were  suffered  by  those  who  were  too 
badly  crippled  to  drag  themselves  off;  while  there  are 
many  instances  also  where  individuals  received  mag 
nanimous  attention  from  the  enemy.  But  all  alike 
suffered  the  loss  of  purse  and  such  garments  as  the 
rebels  thought  might  easily  be  spared  to  those  who 
were  less  provided  for. 

Many  of  the  wounded  were  suffering  far  more  than 
they  otherwise  would  on  account  of  their  exhausted 
condition  when  they  entered  the  fight,  and  many,  no 
doubt,  were  dying  for  that  same  reason  ;  but  by  far 
the  greater  number  of  deaths  after  the  battle  occurred 
from  a  very  different  and  entirely  useless  cause.    The 
rebels  were  completely  defeated,  and  a  little  further 
vigorous  use  of  the  bayonet  would  have  routed  or 
captured  the  whole  force,  and  their  army  must  have 
been  destroyed.     But  the  cowardice  or  treachery  of 
the  Commanding  General  permitted  them  to  escape, 
and,  so  to  speak,  furnished  the  crutches  with  which 
they  were  to  attempt  a  decent  retreat.     The  Union 
forces  had  "  fallen  gently  back,"  and   our  wounded 
lay  between  the  two  lines,  suffering  all  sorts  of  pain 


152  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

and  agony,  wondering  what  imbecility  could  be  so  in 
human  as  to  leave  them  in  such  a  critical  condition 
between  two  fires.  But  the  danger  of  being  again 
wounded,  and  perhaps  killed,  was  insignificant  in  com 
parison  with  the  probabilities  of  death  by  sheer  ne 
glect.  The  army  should  have  been  pushed  ahead 
and  these  men  rescued ;  and  in  the  performance  of 
such  a  humane  duty  they  would  have  found  the  enemy 
so  enfeebled  that  his  capture  must  have  been  certain. 
No  more  troops  were  necessary.  A  victory,  mantled 
with  the  red  flush  of  battle,  would  have  inspirited  the 
soldiery  to  a  greater  triumph.  Every  thing  was  pro 
pitious  for  complete  success.  In  view  of  this  the 
General  was  as  strictly  commanded  as  Moses  at  the 
Red  Sea :  "  Speak  unto  them*  that  they  go  forward  !" 
It  was  not  a  question  of  ability — that  had  already / 
been  discharged  by  the  soldiers,  who  now  looked  to 
their  General  to  save  what  they  had  harvested ;  but 
he  stood  idly  by,  and  saw  the  enemy  carry  off  the 
fruits  of  victory,  when  the  one  word  "  Forward  !" 
from  him  was  all  that  was  needed.  But  no  ;  triumph 
was  to  be  limited  to  results  scarcely  more  gratifying 
than  those  of  defeat.  Those  who  had  lost  their  limbs 
and  spilled  their  blood  to  gain  success  must  lie  upon 
the  field,  torn,  still  bleeding,  hungry,  thirsty,  and  dy 
ing  by  hundreds,  because  their  General  was  too  cow 
ardly  to  close  with  the  enemy  and  save  them  from 
such  a  terrible  fate. 

The  "  Ninth"  marched  onward,  turning  down  the 
creek  to  the  left,  and  after  proceeding  about  six  miles, 

*   Them—"  the  children  of  Israel." 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  153 

again  pitched  «amp,  immediately  on  the  banks  of  the 
Antietam.  The  enemy  had  fallen  back  from  his  posi 
tion,  and  was  using  his  utmost  endeavors  to  avoid  an 
other  conflict.  Large  reinforcements  had  arrived, 
with  which  he  could  be  closely  pursued,  and  the  vet 
erans  were  allowed  a  partial  rest ;  and  the  Zouaves 
now  lay  back  on  their  laurels  for  a  few  days  ;  but  they 
still  found  abundant  occupation  in  washing  their 
clothes  and  cleansing  their  persons ;  for  so  actively ' 
had  they  been  engaged  the  past  few  weeks  that 
scarcely  so  much  as  a  shoe  had  been  removed. 

On  Sunday,  September  twenty-first,  the  regiment 
was  regularly  inspected,  and  their  appearance  highly 
complimented  by  the  inspecting  officers  for  perfection 
of  discipline  and  tidiness  about  quarters,  though 
various  articles  of  clothing  and  equipment  were  want 
ing. 

Colonel  Hawkins  had  arrived  at  the  headquarters 
of  the  regiment,  being  welcomed  with  much  cheering 
and  other  noisy  demonstrations  of  joy.  He  was  much 
pleased  with  the  cleanliness  of  his  own  men  ;  the 
well-brushed  clothes,  neatly-cut  hair,  shining  accou 
trements,  and  well-polished  shoes,  deserved  attention. 
But  when  he  was  obliged  to  turn  his  eyes  from  this 
to  other  portions  of  his  command,  he  could  not  ab 
stain  from  expressions  of  disgust ;  and  while  always 
desirous  of  according  to  merit  the  just  praise  it  de 
mands,  on  the  other  hand  he  would  not  withhold  the 
censure  which  slovenliness  and  filth  invoke.  It  is  not 
necessary  to  locate  the  offenses  which  arose  from  neg 
ligent  camps,  irregular  in  every  thing  but  indecency; 
but  let  it  suffice  to  say  that  it  existed  in  such  palpa- 


151  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES: 

ble  form  as  to  draw  from  him  a  justly  deserved  order, 
bitter  to  all  filth,  but  SAveet  to  all  cleanliness.  It  was 
evidently  fruitful  of  some  effect,  and  must  have  been 
felt  by  all  parties,  for  upon  the  twenty-fourth  of  the 
month  the  promulgator  was  placed  under  arrest  for 
issuing  the  same. 

On  the  twenty-third,  Company  K,  Captain  Morris, 
was  detached  by  General  Burnside  from  the  regiment, 
and  sent  to  Bolivar  Heights.  The  admirable  manner 
in  which  their  battery  was  handled,  and  the  merito 
rious  service  it  had  performed  under  the  eyes  of  the 
General  rendered  it  a  favorite  with  him,  and  there 
fore  it  was  frequently  selected  to  engage  in  some  ar 
duous  undertaking,  or  go  on  some  daring  reconnois- 
sance  ;  and  the  faithful  manner  in  which  they  always 
conducted  themselves  encouraged  the  General  to 
remember  them  in  the  future. 

The  location  of  the  camp  at  Sharpsburgh  did  not 
contain  accommodations  requisite  for  the  sanitary  con 
dition  of  the  men,  and  the  Colonel  deemed  it  prudent 
to  move  to  some  spot  which  offered  the  advantages 
required  ;  and  as  the  whole  army  was  slowly  moving 
across  the  Potomac,  a  change  of  camp  in  that  direc 
tion  was  alike  favorable  to  the  welfare  of  the  regi 
ment  and  in  conformity  with  the  progress  of  other 
divisions  of  the  army.  Accordingly,  the  "  Ninth  " 
was  marched  across  the  Antietam,  and  proceeded  on 
the  Harper's  Ferry  road,  until,  having  made  a  dis 
tance  of  seven  miles,  they  pitched  camp  near  the 
Antietam  Iron  Works.  Here  was  found  abundance 
of  good  water,  an  essential  element  for  the  comfort 
and  health  of  the  men. 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND    MARCHES.  155 

The  regiment  had  suffered  greatly  for  the  want  of 
meats  and  vegetables,  and  many  of  the  men  for  that 
reason  were  wholly  unfit  for  duty.  They  were  always 
assured  that  there  was  an  abundance  somewhere,  and 
that  it  was  coming  ;  so  when  the  train  arrived  on 
Sunday,  well  laden  with  the  much-needed  provisions, 
they  were  hailed  the  loudest  by  those  whose  lungs 
were  supposed  to  be  weakest  for  want  of  them. 

On  the  third  of  October,  President  Lincoln  re 
viewed  the  "  Mirth,"  and  complimented  them  very 
highly  in  the  hearing  of  many  distinguished  generals. 

On  Sunday,  the  fifth,  the  band  of  the  regiment, 
in  full  uniform,  went  down  to  the  hospital,  and  spent 
the  day  in  playing  for  the  pleasure  of  the  wounded, 
who  were  greatly  cheered  by  the  fine  music,  and 
were  very  thankful  for  it. 

In  camp,  the  same  day,  papers  were  received  con 
taining  accounts  and  illustrations  of  the  charge  of  the 
Zouaves  at  Antietam.  They  differed  from  each  other 
in  some  respects,  but  all  were  unanimous  in  the  be 
stowal  of  honor  so  nobly  earned.  Says  the  /Spirit  of 
the  Times  :  "  This  brilliant  and  decisive  bayonet- 
charge  was  made  about  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
of  Wednesday,  the  seventeenth  of  September,  and 
will  add  to  the  already  well-deserved  fame  of  this  ad 
mirably-disciplined  regiment,  which  has  been  pro 
nounced  by  a  high  military  authority  '  as  a  very  lucky 
o^e.'  .  .  .  We  may  mention  as  a  proof  of  Colo 
nel  Hawkins's  esprit  du  corps,  that  when  Governor 
Morgan  endeavored  to  thrust  a  disreputable  friend  of 
his  upon  the  regiment  as  a  captain,  to  fill  up  a  va 
cancy,  Hawkins  positively  refused  to  recognize  tho 


156  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

Governor's  authority  ;  and,  backed  by  his  officers,  he 
triumphed  over  that  official,  although  the  Governor 
was  supported  by  General  Williams  and  others. 
Whenever  our  men  are  treated  with  the  respect  due 
to  the  dignity  of  freemen,  an  American  regiment 
may  l)e  killed,  but  it  CAN  NOT  BE  CONQUERED." 

On  the  6th  of  October,  the  "Ninth"  received  or 
ders  to  cook  their  rations,  and  prepare  for  another 
march  ;  and  on  the  7th,  about  half-past  nine  A.M., 
tents  were  struck,  the  line  formed,  and  the  regiment 
got  under  way,  Colonel  Hawkins  being  in  command 
of  the  division.  It  was  an  up-hill  route  nearly  all  the 
way,  and  although  the  men  started  out  fresh  and 
buoyant,  yet  the  steepness  of  the  ascent  called  for 
such  excessive  toil  from  them,  equipped  as  they  were 
in  heavy  marching  order,  that  a  halt  for  the  purpose 
of  resting  was  ordered  several  times  before  reaching 
the  summit  of  the  mountain,  which  is  called  the  Elk 
ridge.  As  the  regiment  stopped  for  the  second  time 
to  recover  breath,  they  beheld  the  ground  they  had 
passed  over  stretched  out  at  their  feet,  the  varied 
landscape  reaching  far  and  wide,  and  painted  in  the 
many  hues  of  autumn,  as  though  summer's  floral  sun 
was  setting,  and  blossoming  its  last  and  sweetest  flow- 

G>/  O 

ers.  General  Burnside  was  observed  ascending  the 
mountain  ;  and  as  he  approached  the  troops,  they  all 
bounded  to  their  feet  with  instinctive  homage,  and 
greeted  him  with  prolonged  cheers  and  the  waving 
and  throwing  up  of  hats.  After  he  had  passed  up, 
the  "  Ninth  "  again  fell  in  to  the  sound  of  the  bugle, 
and  following  up  the  winding  and  precipitous  route, 
at  length  reached  the  summit,  where  they  drew  in  re- 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  157 

freshing  draughts  of  the  pure  western  wind  ;  and  as 
they  reclined  beneath  the  spreading  chestnut-trees 
and  ate  their  rations,  they  bent  their  observation  for 
ward  and  below  into  Pleasant  Yalley,  which  they 
were  soon  to  occupy  with  their  camp. 

The  column  was  soon  again  in  motion  descending 
the  other  side  of  the  ridge,  and  after  proceeding  a 
few  miles  further,  halted  by  the  side  of  the  road,  near 
a  running  stream  of  water.  The  location  was  a  very 
desirable  one  in  almost  every  respect. 
8 


153  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 


JDART     TWELFTH  : 

^allexj    to    3falmouth, 


THE  regiment  remained  at  this  place  for  some  time. 
The  rations  were  insufficient,  and  the  weather 
extremely  cold,  so  that  the  men  could  not  help  suffer 
ing  a  great  deal. 

On  the  24th,  Major  Jardine  rejoined  the  "Ninth," 
having  been  relieved  of  the  command  of  the  Eighty- 
ninth  New-  York  Volunteers,  which  office  he  had 
filled  since  leaving  Washington.  By  his  soldierly 
conduct  and  gentlemanly  behavior,  he  had  endeared 
himself  to  the  men  of  that  regiment,  and  they  ex 
ceedingly  regretted  his  departure  from  them,  inas 
much  as  it  threw  them  again  under  the  command  of 
a  dissipated  officer,  whom  they  could  not  respect. 

•The  camp  at  Pleasant  Yalley  was  left  on  the  28th, 
and  the  regiment,  equipped  in  heavy  marching  order, 
entered  upon  a  long  and  tedious  inarch.  Many  of 
the  men  were  in  want  of  shoes,  and  marching  in 
such  a  state  over  the  cold,  stony  ground  did  not  add 
any  pleasurable  excitement  to  the  occasion.  But 
they  were  accustomed  to  long  and  rapid  marches  un 
der  many  disadvantages,  and  they  were  prepared  to 
meet  with  fortitude  the  present  inconveniences. 
Though  there  were  individual  cases  of  complaint  and 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  159 

giving  out,  yet  there  prevailed  an  average  buoyancy 
among  the  men.  They  passed  through  "Welverton 
and  Knoxville,  reaching  Berlin  on  the  Potomac  just 
before  noon.  At  this  point  they  crossed  a  pontoon, 
and  were  soon  all  on  Virginia  soil.  After  a  brief  de 
lay  they  passed  on ;  and  when  they  had  proceeded 
about  one  mile  beyond  Lovettesville,  they  came  to  a 
halt  and  pitched  their  camp. 

A  number  of  recruits  here  joined  the  regiment,  be 
ing  picked  men  from  great  numbers  raised  in  New- 
York.  By  a  slow  but  continual  process  of  recruiting, 
the  depleted  ranks  of  the  "Ninth"  were  gradually 
being  filled  up,  the  officers  discharging  the  duties 
of  enlistment  being  particular  in  regard  to  the  moral 
character  of  the  men  received. 

On  the  30th,  just  after  sunrise,  tents  were  struck, 
and  the  men  were  once  more  in  motion,  crossing  the 
northern  branch  of  Catoctin  Creek,  which  has  its 
source  in  Yestal's  Gap.  They  soon  passed  through 
Morrisonville,  arid  reaching  "Wheat-land,  they  encamp 
ed  in  the  woods  near  a  stream  of  water. 

On  the  following  day,  Company  G,  commanded  by 
Captain  Childs,  wTas  detached  from  the  regiment,  by 
order  of  General  Burnside,  and  proceeded  back  to 
Lovettesville,  to  act  as  body-guard  to  the  General, 
which  position  they  continued  to  occupy  .until  the 
26th  of  January,  1863. 

The  First  Brigade,  composed  of  the  Ninth,  Eighty- 
ninth,  and  One  Hundred  and  Third  New-York  Volun 
teers,  and  the  Tenth  New-Hampshire  Volunteers,  was 
called  out  on  the  1st  of  November,  for  the  purpose  of  en 
gaging  in  a  brigade  drill.  Each  regiment,  as  it  arrived 


160  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

upon  the  ground  selected,  took  up  its  proper  position ; 
and  when  all  was  in  line,  Colonel  Hawkins  rode  oppo 
site  the  centre  and  took  command  of  the  force,  which 
presented  a  fine  appearance,  each  battalion  showing 
its  best  under  the  eye  of  a  commander  whose  rebuke 
they  studied  carefully  to  avoid,  but  whose  slightest 
praise  they  eagerly  coveted.  At  length  the  brigade 
began  to  move,  executing  the  orders  with  promptness 
and  precision  ;  and  many  of  those  who  had  previously 
published  the  Colonel's  incompetency  to  manage  a 
regiment,  had  now  a  m  fine  opportunity  of  witnessing 
in  what  an  absurd  attitude  the  error  stood.  It  needed 
but  one  such  occasion  to  put  to  flight  all  doubt  as  to 
the  ability  of  the  Colonel  to  completely  maneuver  the 
troops  under  his  command ;  and  it  inspired  the  men 
with  fuller  confidence  in  their  leader,  although  more 
than  they  had  already  exhibited  was  scarcely  looked 
for. 

Immediately  after  the  brigade  was  dismissed,  the 
men  were  ordered  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to 
move  again  at  short  notice.  Heavy  artillery  firing 
in  the  direction  of  Snicker's  Gap  gave  the  order  un 
usual  significance,  and  under  the  circumstances  the 
troops  thought  that  the  battle  they  had  long  consid 
ered  imminent  was  about  to  take  place. 

A  detail  was  sent  to  Harper's  Ferry  to  procure 
clothing  for  the  men,  as  there  was  great  necessity  for 
uniforms. 

The  next  day  the  regiment,  in  heavy  marching  or 
der,  started  out  on  the  road,  and  proceeded  in  a  direc 
tion  parallel  with  the  Blue  Ridge.  The  small  town  of 
Purcellsville  was  passed  through  about  one  o'clock 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  161 

P.M.,  after  which  the  roar  of  artillery  was  more  dis 
tinctly  heard,  increasing  in  violence  until  they  had 
crossed  the  north  fork  of  Goose  Creek  and  arrived 
near  Snick ersville,  when  it  ceased,  the  rebels  having 

7  O 

been  driven  from  the  Gap.  After  a  short  rest  the 
march  was  continued,  and  when  night  had  set  in  they 
came  to  a  halt  near  the  town  of  Union,  not  far  from 
Beaver  Dam  creek.  Fires  were  made  of  the  rails 
from  the  fences,  and  various  groups  of  soldiers  could 
be  seen  making  their  coffee.  Many  of  the  men  con 
tented  themselves  with  swallowing  a  morsel  of  food 
from  the  haversack,  and  then  lay  down,  too  much 
worn  out  with  the  fatigue  of  the  day  to  care  for  a 
more  plenteous  repast,  when  its  preparation  called 
for  additional  toil. 

On  the  3d  they  were  again  on  the  march.  They 
passed  the  creek,  and  took  the  road  for  IJpperville,  at 
which  place  they  encamped,  having  made  a  short 
march  of  twelve  miles. 

Heavy  cannonading  was  heard  all  the  day,  retreat 
ing  as  the  Union  forces  advanced,  the  rear  of  the  one 
party  and  the  advance  of  the  other  being  engaged 
almost  continually,  keeping  those  who  were  a  little 
further  removed  from  the  scene  of  conflict  in  a  con 
stant  state  of  alarm  and  preparation.  The  weather 
was  getting  very  cold,  and  the  "  Ninth  "  was  not  yet 
prepared  to  meet  it,  and  the  frequent  removal  from 
one  place  to  another  denied  all  opportunity  of  erect 
ing  proper  shelter  for  protection  from  the  elements. 

On  the  same  day,  Captain  Morris,  of  Company  K, 
took  a  section  of  his  battery  and  joined  a  brigade  un 
der  General  Kautz,  for  the  purpose  of  making  a  re- 


162  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

coimoissance.  They  proceeded  far  up  the  Shenandoah 
river,  but  failed  to  draw  any  attention  from  the  reb 
els,  who  were  too  busy  elsewhere.  The  movement 
was  without  more  interest  than  Wvas  derived  from  the 
pleasure  of  making  an  agreeable  trip. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  5th,  the  regiment  was 
ordered  again  on  the  march,  and  after  a  monotonous 
tramp,  which  lasted  all  day,  they  reached  Rector- 
town,  where  they  encamped  for  the  night. 

The  next  day  this  place  was  left  far  behind,  the 
regiment  proceeding  in  a  southerly  direction,  passing 
through  the  town  of  Orleans.  While  General  Getty, 
commanding  the  Third  division  of  the  Ninth  Army 
Corps,  was  riding  through  the  town  some  unknown 
miscreant  fired  a  bullet  at  him ;  but  fortunately  the 
ball  whistled  harmlessly  by.  So  incensed  were  the 
Zouaves  that  the  dastard  should  attempt  the  life  of  a 
commander  they  loved  so  much,  that  had  the  search 
for  his  capture  proved  successful,  he  would  undoubt 
edly  have  been  executed  upon  the  spot. 

It  being  ascertained  that  lurking  parties  of  rebels 
had  banded  together  in  the  neighboring  wood  for  the 
purpose  of  falling  upon  defenseless  squads  of  Union 
soldiers,  the  "  Ninth  "  was  ordered  to  proceed  to  the 
infected  quarter  to  clear  them  out.  After  going  a 
few  miles  from  the  town  they  deployed  skirmishers, 
and  used  every  precaution  to  entrap  the  wary  rebels ; 
but  they  retreated  as  the  Zouaves  advanced.  Find 
ing  it  useless,  after  a  weary  tramp  over  hills  and 
through  woods,  they  returned  to  camp  near  Thumb 
river,  where  they  remained  over  night. 

The  next  day,  the  regiment  being  under  orders  to 


THEIR   BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  163 

be  ready  for  marching,  the  men  built  their  fires  and 
crowded  around  them,  patiently  waiting,  while  they 
discussed  the  movements  of  the  army.  The  weather 
was  extremely  cold,  and  a  heavy  snow-storm  was  pre 
vailing.  Reports  of  fighting  circulated  more  freely 
than  their  blood;  and  the  time  was  passed  in  various 
ways  until  about  one  o'clock  P.M.,  when  knapsacks 
were  slung,  and  they  left  Orleans,  taking  the  turnpike 
leading  south,  and  proceeding  on  it  until  they  arrived 
at  Carter's  Creek,  when  they  encamped  by  Gaskin's 
Mills,  near  Waterloo. 

On  the  day  following,  the  detail  from  Harper's 
Ferry  arrived,  bringing  the  report  that  they  were  un 
able  to  procure  the  clothing  so  much  needed. 

In  the  afternoon  of  the  10th  an  alarm  was  sounded 
in  camp,  and  the  "  Ninth  "  fell  in  quickly,  and  were 
soon  led  out  on  the  advance  toward  the  point  of  dan 
ger,  followed  by  the  rest  of  the  division,  when  they 
formed  in  line  of  battle  under  a  hill.  The  rebels,  not 
liking  this  formidable  demonstration,  turned  about 
and  fled  precipitately  across  the  Hedgeinan  river,  in 
the  direction  of  Corvin's  Cross-Roads.  But  fearing 
their  return  with  reinforced  ranks,  the  General  gave 
orders  that  the  "  Ninth  "  should  remain  in  the  posi 
tion  they  had  takenQup.  No  fires  were  allowed,  and 
many  lacked  sufficient  clothing  to  keep  them  warm  ; 
to  add  to  the  discomfort,  there  was  nothing  to  eat. 
The  night  seemed  a  long  one,  for  the  sufferings  of  the 
men  were  excessive. 

About  ten  o'clock  the  next  day,  the  "  Ninth  "  re 
turned  to  their  camp  at  Gaskin's  Mills.  Orders  were 
read  out  on  parade  that  General  Burnside,  in  accord- 


164  THE  HAWKINS   ZOUAVES: 

ance  with  orders  from  the  War  Department,  had  as 
sumed  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Af 
ter  dismissal  much  rejoicing  was  manifested  in  regard 
to  the  order. 

The  regiment  was  again  obliged  to  pass  another 
night  without  any  hard  bread. 

Reveille  was  sounded  unusually  early  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  15th.  Tents  were  struck  at  five  A.M.,  and 
the  regiment  left  camp,  making  a  halt  after  it  had 
proceeded  but  a  short  distance.  It  was  ascertained 
that  the  enemy  were  hovering  about  in  strong  force, 
only  awaiting  a  favorable  opportunity  to  attack  the 
division  and  capture  its  train.  Companies  B  and  II 
of  the  "  Ninth,"  and  one  company  from  each  of  the 
other  regiments  in  the  brigade,  were  sent  out  as  an 
advance  to  keep  in  check  any  movement  made  by  the 
rebels.  The  "  Xintli "  was  put  in  line  of  battle  to 
support  Benjamin's  battery.  At  about  twelve  o'clock 
the  enemy  made  an  unsuccessful  assault  with  artillery 
upon  the  wagon-train,  but  were  driven  back  from 
their  position  by  'the  battery. 

At  two  o'clock  P.M.,  the  regiment  again  marched, 
and  in  the  latter  part  of  the  afternoon  pitched  tents 
near  the  Warren  ton  Sulphur  Springs. 

Sunday,  the  16th,  was  not  a  day  of  rest  for  the 
Zouaves  ;  the  wagon-train  being  sent  out  at  five 
o'clock  A.M.,  they  started  soon  afterward,  crossing- 
Great  river,  passing  Fayette  and  Liberty  ;  then  march 
ing  around  Warren  ton  Junction,  they  encamped  near 
the  railroad. 

On  the  17th,  the  regiment  left  the  Junction,  and 
marched  to  Steepletown. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  165 

The  next  day  the  men  were  up  at  three  o'clock  A.M., 
moving  forward,  and  at  night  were  encamped  within 
ten  miles  of  Fredericksbnrgh. 

It  rained  all  day  of  the  19th.  In  the  morning  the 
"  -N"inth  "  marched  from  camp,  and  just  before  noon 
passed  through  Falmoiitli,  and  toiling  over  the  first 
hill  south-east  of  the  railroad,  went  into  camp  upon 
the  second,  and  at  once  commenced  making  them 
selves  comfortable. 

For  a  long  time  the  regiment  had  marched  nearly 
every  day,  and  the  men,  having  been  allowed  so  little 
rest  through  the  nights,  were  now  almost  worn  out. 
The  monotony  of  the  march  was  now  to  be  relieved 
by  a  few  weeks  of  camp  life.  The  rebels  had  made  a 
stand  upon  the  heights  back  of  Fredericksburgh,  and 
the  indications  were  that  a  battle  would  soon  be 
fought. 


166  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES  : 


THIRTEENTH  : 

falraouth  to  Juftolfc. 

ON  the  20th  of  the  month  Company  K  rejoined  the 
regiment.  The  weather  was  extremely  cold, 
and  rain  was  almost  continually  falling,  making  the 
troops  far  more  uncomfortable  than  is  usually  taken 
into  account  by  those  who  merely  reflect  upon  the 
lists  of  killed  and  wounded,  without  once  considering 
the  bitter  hardships  endured  up  to  the  loss  of  life  or 
limb. 

On  the  night  of  December  10th  orders  were  re 
ceived  to  prepare  to  march  early  in  the  morning. 
The  Zouaves  retired  to  rest,  and  about  four  o'clock 
A.M.  of  the  eleventh  they  were  quietly  awakened  by 
the  guard,  for  no  reveille  was  allowed  to  be  beaten. 
They  were  furnished  with  rations  and  thoroughly  in 
spected,  after  which  they  remained  in  readiness  many 
hours.  The  artillery  on  the  heights  opened  upon  the 
enemy,  and  the  troops  were  in  momentary  expecta 
tion  of  being  called  upon  to  engage  in  the  growing 
conflict.  The  rebel  sharp-shooters  in  the  city  were 
trying  to  prevent  the  laying  of  pontoons,  and  against 
them  the  Federals  directed  their  artillery,  until  a 
great  number  of  the  houses  were  completely  demol 
ished, 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.-  167 

At  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  "  Ninth"  was 
marched  to  the  heights  opposite  the  city,  with  the  ex 
pectation  of  crossing  one  of  the  pontoons  which  had 
been  thrown  over  the  river ;  hut  they  waited  long 
and  anxiously  in  vain,  and  were  marc*hed  hack  to 
camp  after  dark,  through  the  deep  mud,  weary  and 
disgusted  with  all  they  had  seen  of  the  battle  so  far. 
They  had  just  made  themselves  comfortable,  each 
man  disposed  of  for  the  night,  when  they  were  or 
dered  to  march  to  the  lower  pontoon.     After  wading 
through  the  mud  again  they  reached  it,  and  crossed 
the  river  into  the  city.    The  regiment  countermarched 
and  formed  in  line  of  battle,  afterward  bivouacking 
in  the  main  street.     Company  D  had  been  hastily 
thrown  forward  as  picket,  and  a  guard,  under  Lieu 
tenant  Webster,  was  posted  in  the  suburbs  of  the 
lower  part  of  the  town.     Notwithstanding  the  troops 
were  in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  there  was  no  excite 
ment  to  keep  the  blood  warm,  and  fires  were  not  per 
mitted.     At  length  the  cold,  bitter  night  wore  away, 
and  as  soon  as  daylight  appeared   the  artillery  again 
opened  upon  the  rebels,  who  remained  comparatively 
quiet  until  about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when 
they  replied  vigorously,  the  "  Ninth"  receiving  a  por 
tion  of  their  fire,  and  also  sustaining  considerable  loss 
from  defective  shells  thrown   by  the  Union  forces. 
Some  time  after  dark  they  were  sent  out  on  picket, 
where  they  quietly  remained  until  the  next  morning, 
when  they  returned  to  the  city.     The  battle  began 
again,  this  time  raging  with  all  the  fierceness  of  a 
heavy  conflict.     Corps  after  corps  was  engaged  with 
the  enemy,  and  the  slaughter  was  terrible.     Thou- 


168  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

sands  of  brave  men  had  fallen,  and  the  battle  was  yet- 
undecided,' when  just  before  dark,  Colonel  Hawkins 
received  orders  to  charge  upon  and  carry  one  of  the 
enemy's  works  with  his  brigade,  which  was  composed 
of  the  "  Nintli,"  Eighty-ninth,  and  One  Hundred  and 
Third  New- York  Volunteers,  and  the  Tenth  and  Thir 
teenth  New-Hampshire,  and  the  Thirty-fifth  New- 
Jersey.  The  "  Ninth  "  had  been  .sent  to  a  different 
part  of  the  field  "  through  a  misapprehension  of  or 
ders." 

The  order  was  given,  and  the  brigade  began  to 
advance,  making  but  slow  progress,  for  a  deep  slough 
and  several  other  impediments  were  to  be  passed 
over.  But  these  were  overcome,  and  the  troops 
charged  in  splendid  style  for  some  distance,  until  an 
old,  half  filled-up  canal-cut  presented  a  serious  obsta 
cle  .to  their  further  advance,  the  enemy  in  the  mean 
time  cutting  them  up  badly  with  a  severe  enfilading 
fire.  The  line  was  now  considerably  broken,  and  a 
great  deal  of  promiscuous  firing  took  place  among  the 
men.  The  sun  had  set,  and  it  was  now  dark.  At 
this  time  the  grandest  scene  of  the  battle  wTas  to  be 
witnessed.  The  fire  on  both  sides  was  still  kept  up, 
and  the  air  was  brightly  illuminated  with  a  grand 
pyrotechnic  display.  The  darkness  put  an  end  to 
the  battle,  and  it  became  necessary  to  withdraw  the 
troops  of  the  whole  division,  which  was  done,  the 
•'Ninth  "  rejoining  the  brigade  in  the  city. 

Colonel  Hawkins's  report  contains  a  concise  and 
correct  account  of  the  engagement  of  the  brigade. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  169 

FALMOUTH,  YA.,  Dec.  19,  1862. 
BRIG. -GENERAL  GEORGE  W.  GETTY,  COMMANDING  THIRD  DIVISION 

NINTH  ARMY  CORPS  : 

GENERAL  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  on  the  evening  of 
the  10th  instant  I  received  orders  to  send  a  regiment  to  support 
the  engineers  who  were  to  commence'  laying  the  bridges  across 
the  river  opposite  the  town  of  Fredericksburgh.  Early  the  next 
morning  the  Eighty-ninth  New- York  Yolunteers  was  ordered  for 
that  duty.  The  regiment  took  up  its  position  about  two  o'clock 
on  the  morning  of  the  llth  instant,  where  it  remained,  receiving 
and  returning  the  fire  of  the  enemy  from  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river  until  about  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  At  that  time  Gen 
eral  Burnside  gave  orders  for  a  detail  of  one  hundred  men  from 
the  regiment  to  cross  the  river  in  batteaux,  for  the  purpose  of 
dislodging  the  enemy,  who  were  in  rifle-pits  and  houses.  The 
detail  was  made  and  placed  under  the  charge  of  Captains  J. 
Hazley,  S.  L.  Judd,  F.  Brutt,  and  Lieut.  W.  M.  Lewis.  The 
whole  party  immediately  embarked  in  four  batteaux,  and  under 
a  heavy  fire  of  musketry  pushed  across  and  landed  upon  the 
opposite  shore,  where  they  captured  sixty-four  prisoners,  includ 
ing  four  commissioned  officers. 

A  short  time  after,  the  balance  of  the  regiment  were  sent  across 
in  the  batteaux,  and  the  two  detachments  being  joined  together, 
proceeded  to  the  main  street  of  the  city,  when  they  threw  out 
pickets  and  bivouacked  for  the  night. 

Too  much  praise  can  not  be  bestowed  upon  the  officers  and 
men  who  so  gallantly  made  the  passage  of  the  river.  It  was 
owing  to  their  daring  and  boldness  that  our  engineers  were  en 
abled  to  complete  the  bridge,  which  they  had  been  at  work  upon 
since  three  o'clock;  and  I  trust  that  favorable  mention  may  be 
made  of  this  occurrence,  so  that  it  may  be  known,  for  all  time  to 
come,  who  they  were  that  performed  one  of  the  most  daring 
exploits  of  the  war. 

The  brigade,  after  waiting  all  day  of  the  llth  instant  under 
arms,  expecting  to  cross  the  river,  finally  received  an  order, 
about  five  o'clock  P.M.,  to  return  to  carnp.  This  we  obeyed,  and 
had  been  in  camp  about  fifteen  minute's  when  we  received  an- 


170  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

other  order  to  cross  the  river.  We  accordingly  got  under  arms, 
and  about  nine  o'clock  P.M.  had  arrived  in  Fredericksburgh,  tak 
ing  possession  of  the  lower  part  of  the  town,  and  then  proceed 
ing  to  throw  out  pickets,  which  connected  with  General  Howard's 
line  on  the  right. 

Nothing  of  importance  occurred,  and  no  duty  was  performed 
other  than  that  of  picketing  in  front  of  our  lines  and  guard  and 
patrol  duty,  until  about  five  o'clock  P.M.  of  the  13th  instant, 
when  the  whole  brigade  was  ordered  into  action. 

My  brigade  was  ordered  to  attack  the  right  centre  of  the  ene 
my's  line  of  works.  Joining  on  the  left  of  General  Couch's  line, 
the  brigade  commenced  to  move  toward  the  point  of  attack,  and 
when  about  one  third  of  the  way  a  halt  was  made  at  the  railroad- 
cut,  where  the  brigade  was  re-formed  and  a  new  start  taken. 
By  this  time  it  had  become  quite  dark — in  fact,  so  much  so,  that 
we  could  not  see  a  hundred  yards  before  us.  But  still  the  order 
was  given  to  move  forward,  and  the  whole  brigade  soon  passed 
a  deep,  wide  mud  slough,  reaching  a  deep  canal-cut.  Upon  ar 
riving  at  this  canal-cut  the  brigade  received  an  enfilading  fire 
from  the  enemy's  artillery  and  infantry  ;  but  notwithstanding, 
the  plateau  on  the  other  side  wras  gained,  the  left  of  the  line  ad 
vancing  till  within  about  ten  yards  of  a  stone  wall,  behind  which 
a  heavy  infantry  force  of  the  enemy  was  concealed,  who  opened 
an  increased  artillery  and  musketry  fire,  and  in  addition  to  this 
the  brigade  received  the  fire  of  the  Eighty-third  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers  and  Twentieth  Maine  Volunteers,  who  wrere  on  the 
left  of  General  Couch's  line,  which  our  right  had  overlapped. 
This  firing  from  all  parties  and  all  directions,  I  should  think, 
lasted  about  seven  minutes,  when  I  succeeded  in  stopping  it, 
and  then  discovered  that  every  body,  from  the  smallest  drum 
mer-boy  up,  seemed  to  be  shouting  to  the  full  extent  of  their  capa 
city.  After  considerable  exertion,  comparative  quiet  and  order 
were  restored,  and  the  command  re-formed  along  the  bank  of  the 
canal-cut.  I  then  reported  to  you  for  further  orders,  and  you 
ordered  the  command  withdrawn  and  placed  in  its  former  posi 
tion  in  the  town,  which  was  done.  Owing  to  a  misapprehension 
of  your  orders,  the-Ninth  New-York  Volunteers  was  ordered  to 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  171 

the  support  of  a  battery,  and  did  not  participate  in  the  advance 
made  by  the  brigade. 

The  brigade  remained  at  Fredericksburgh  until  the  night  of 
the  loth  instant,  when  it  returned  to  the  former  camp  on  this 
side  of  the  river. 

Before  closing  this  report  I  think  it  my  duty  to  say  that  the 
brigade  did  as  well  as  could  be  expected  under  the  circumstances. 
Even  with  experienced  troops  and  well-concerted  measures  there 
will  be  more  or  less  confusion  incident  to  an  advance  in  the 
dark  ;  and  when  the  nature  of  the  ground  is  taken  into  consider 
ation,  and  likewise  the  fact  that  two  thirds  of  the  men  had  never 
been  under  fire  before,  they  are  certainly  deserving  of  commen 
dation  for  having  behaved  as  well  as  they  did. 

Our  loss  in  the  brigade  amounted  to — killed,  twelve ;  wounded, 
one  hundred  and  seventy-seven  ;  missing,  fifty-four.  Total,  two 
hundred  and  forty-three.  A  complete  list  is  herewith  inclosed. 

I  am,  most  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

RUSH  C.  HAWKINS, 

Colonel  Ninth  New- York  Volunteers, 
Commanding  First  Brigade  Third  Division  Ninth  Army  Corps. 

On  Sunday,  the  14th,  the  "  Ninth  was  sent  out  on 
picket,  where  rapid  firing  was  kept  up  all  day  on 
both  sides,  so  that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  relieve 
the  different  posts.  They  wrere  relieved,  and  again 
returned  to  the  city,  taking  up  their  quarters  in  the 
houses,  where  they  remained  until  the  evening  of  the 
next  day,  when,  after  waiting  under  orders  for  several 
hours,  they  marched  across  the  river  in  great  secrecy, 
and  took  up  quarters  in  their  former  camp  about 
midnight. 

The  regiment  was  sent  on  picket  again,  and  after 
returning  once  more  to  camp,  they  were  ordered  to 
get  ready  for  review.  During  the  review,  General 
Simmer  rode  opposite  to  the  centre  of  the  "  Ninth," 


172  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

which  was  drawn  up  in  line,  and  asked,  "  What  regi 
ment  is  that  ?"  "  The  Ninth  New-York,  General." 
"  THEY  ABE  THE  FIRST  SOLDIERS  I  HAVE  SEEN  IN  SIX 
TEEN  YEARS,"  replied  the  General.  He  had  seen  one 
or  more  of  the  old  regular  regiments  together  during 
the  war  with  Mexico,  and  it  is  presumed  this  regi 
ment  reminded  him  of  one  of  them.  On  the  morning 
of  the  26th,  Company  F,  Captain  Hammill,  arrived 
from  Plymouth,  and  marching  into  camp,  rejoined 
the  regiment.  They  were  cheered  heartily,  and  for 
a  while  treated  as  guests  among  the  companies. 
Lieutenant  Green  was  taken  by  the  hand,  as  they 
remembered  how  he  charged  the  rebels  and  drove 
them  from  Plymouth,  and  he  was  repeatedly  called 
upon  to  give  his  own  story  of  the  fight. 

On  Sunday,  the  28th,  the  regiment  was  reviewed 
by  General  Burnside.  A  review  was  also  ordered  on 
the  6th  of  January,  1863,  but,  owing  to  a  heavy  rain, 
it  did  not  take  place,  the  regiment  being  dismissed 
upon  the  arrival  of  the  General.  On  both  occasions 
the  same  praise  was  given  as  the  General  had  before 
frequently  expressed. 

The  regiment  now  continued  to  go  on  picket  every 
few  days,  while  they  w^ere  under  orders  to  move  at 
short  notice,  cooked  rations  being  kept  constantly  on 
hand  for  that  purpose.  -  «  - 

On  January  26th,  Company  G,  Captain  Childs,  re 
turned  from  detached  service  as  General  Burnside's 
body-guard,  and  rejoined  the  regiment. 

General  Hooker  about  this  time  assumed  command 
of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

Major  Jardine  took  command  of  the  Ninth  New- 
York. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  173 

On  the  7th  day  of  February  the  Zouaves  struck 
their  tents  in  a  hurry,  marched  to  the  railroad  depot, 
where  they  sprang  into  the  cars,  starting  shortly 
for  Acquia  Creek,  where  they  arrived  in  a  short  time, 
and  went  on  board  the  steamer  Robert  Morris.  Early 
the  next  morning  the  transport  started  down  the 
Potomac,  arriving  at  Fortress  Monroe  about  noon, 
where  anchor  was  dropped  and  the  regiment  re 
mained  until  ten  o'clock  A.M.  of  the  9th,  when  they 
went  to  Newports  News. 

The  barracks  at  that  place,  which  had  been  used 
as  stables,  were  given  them  for  quarters,  and  after 
the  filth  had  been  cleaned  out  by  a  detail  of  men,  the 
Zouaves  occupied  them. 

On  the  10th  the  "  Ninth  "  was  detailed  as  provost- 
guard,  and  Major  Jardine  appointed  chief  provost- 
marshal. 

Some  time  after,  Colonel  Hawkins  took  command 
of  his  own  regiment,  preferring  to  give  them  his  spe 
cial  attention,  though  the  additional  duties  were  ex 
tremely  toilsome. 

HEADQUARTERS  NINTH  NEW-YORK  VOLUNTEERS, 

NEWPORTS  NEWS,  VA.,  Feb.  28,  1863. 
Special  Order, 
No.  24. 

In  addition  to  the  duties  of  brigade  commander,  I  hereby  as 
sume  command  of  the  Ninth  New-York  Volunteers. 

RUSH  C.  HAWKINS,  Colonel,  etc.,  etc. 
THOMAS  L.  BARTHOLOMEW, 

Post-Adjutant. 

The  Fifty-first  regiment  New-York  Volunteers 
Base  Ball  Club  challenged  the  Hawkins  Zouave  Base 


174  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

Ball  Club,  and  the  match  was  played  on  the  4th  of 
March — a  very  cold  day.  The  game  was  called  at 
ten  o'clock  A.M.,  arid  was  hotly  contested  for  about 
four  hours.  Much  excitement  was  manifested  at  the 
close  of  the  last  inning,  when  the  Zouave  club  came  out 
three  runs  ahead.  The  second  nines  played  a  match 
on  the  7th,  the  Zouaves  again  the  winners,  taking 
two  thirds  of  the  runs  on  the  score.  The  first  nines 
again  played  a  match  on  the  24th.  At  the  close  of 
the  game  the  score  stood  :  Hawkins  Zouave  Club, 
twenty-one  runs  ;  Fifty-first  New-York  Club,  ten 
runs. 

The  greater  portion  of  the  Ninth  Army  Corps  had 
left  Newports  News,  and  Colonel  Hawkins  was  in 
command  of  the  post.  On  the  2d  day  of  April  he 
received  orders  from  General  Dix  to  proceed  to  Camp 
Hamilton  and  establish  quarters  there,  which  order 
was  executed  the  following  day. 

About  one  week  after,  the  regiment  was  on  the 
move  for  Suffolk.  They  went  by  boat  to  Portsmouth, 
where  they  landed  at  the  Long  Branch  Dock  early  in 
the  morning  ;  and  after  waiting  until  evening,  they 
began  their  march  to  Suffolk.  It  was  not  a  very 
pleasant  affair,  but  they  succeeded  in  getting  through 
it,  as  they  had  with  all  the  other  marches,  and  ar 
rived  at  the  besieged  place  in  the  night,  having  ac 
complished  a  distance  of  nearly  thirty  miles. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  175 


PART      FOURTEENTH  : 


IT  was  upon  tins  fatal  night  that  the  unfortunate 
occurrence  between  Lieut.-Colonel  Kimball  and 
General  Corcoran  took  place.  We  give  Corcoran's 
letter,  which  he  addressed  to  Colonel  Hawkins  in  re 
gard  to  the  affair,  as  it  contains  a  connected  account 
of  it,  and  is  the  substance  of  the  evidence  adduced 
before  the  court  of  inquiry. 

To  COLONEL  RUSH  C.  HAWKINS,  COMMANDING  THE  NINTH  NEW- 

YORK  VOLUNTEERS,  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

COLONEL  :  To  prevent  any  misapprehensions,  I  send  you  a 
brief  statement  in  relation  to  the  sad  affair  of  Sunday  morning, 
which  resulted,  I  regret  to  say,  in  the  death  of  Lieut.-Colonel 
Edgar  A.  Kimball. 

At  about  a  quarter  before  three  o'clock  A.M.  I  left  my  quar 
ters,  and  proceeded  along  the  main  road  toward  the  front  lines, 
for  the  purpose  of  having  the  troops  under  arms  at  three  o'clock, 
in  obedience  to  an  order  from  the  Major-General  commanding. 
When  I  arrived  opposite  the  hospital  of  my  brigade,  an  officer, 
whose  rank  I  could  not  recognize,  (the  night  being  very  dark,) 
and  whom  I  judged  to  be  such  only  from  the  fact  of  his  having 
a  sword,  rushed  out  in  front  of  me  and  ordered  a  halt.  Halting, 
I  asked  if  it  was  Dr.  Heath,  (one  of  the  surgeons  of  the  Irish 
Legion,)  and  was  answered  by  anpther  order  to  halt,  with  the 
additional  remark,  "  It  is  none  of  your  -  business.  I  want 


176  THE   HATVKINS  ZOUAVES  ! 

the  countersign."  Perceiving  it  was  not  the  Doctor,  I  requested 
to  know  the  object  of  his  halting  me,  and  his  name,  rank,  and 
other  authority,  but  could  not  obtain  any  other  reply  than  that 

it  was  none  of  my business.     I  repeated  the  questions 

several  times  and  received  similar  answers,  with  the  exception 
that  the  countersign  was  not  demanded  more  than  once  ;  and  he 
said,  "You  can  not  pass  here."  I  expostulated  with  him  on 
such  conduct,  and  told  him  to  remember  that  he  was  not  on 
duty,  and  had  no  right  to  be  there  and  stop  me  from  proceeding, 
and  that  he  must  let  me  pass.  I  asked  him  if  he  knew  who  he 
was  talking  to,  and  then  gave  him  my  name  and  rank,  telling 
him  also  that  I  was  going  to  the  front  under  orders,  and  even 
my  business  there,  but  it  was  of  no  avail.  He  answered  :  "  I  do 

not  care who  you  are."     I  again  told  him  that  I  should 

pass,  and  warned  him  several  times  to  get  out  of  my  way,  and 
attempted  to  proceed.  He  thereupon  put  himself  in  a  deter 
mined  attitude  to  prevent  my  progress,  and  brandishing  his 
sword  in  one  hand,  and  having  his  other  on  a  pistol,  as  I  then 
supposed,  made  a  movement  toward  me  with  the  evident  design 
of  using  them,  making  an  impolite  statement  that  I  should  not 
pass.  It  was  at  this  point  that  I  used  my  weapon.  It  seemed 
that  the  more  I  endeavored  to  persuade,  the  more  obstinate  he 
became.  Nothing  but  the  consideration  that  my  life  was  in 
danger,  which  I  had  every  reason  to  fear,  and  the  duty  that  was 
incumbent  upon  me  at  that  particular  time,  when  an  attack  upon 
our  lines  was  apprehended,  would  have  justified  me  in  my  own 
mind  in  taking  the  measure  I  then  did.  As  a  soldier  of  long 
service,  I  am  convinced  that  you  will  recognize  the  necessity 
and  lawfulness  of  the  act,  however  much  you  may  regret  that  it 
was  caused  by  one  of  your  own  number,  and  no  one  does  so 
more  than  myself.  Although  I  had  never  before  seen  Lieut.- 
Colonel  Kimball  that  I  am  aware  of,  I  had  learned  to  respect 
him  for  his  gallantry  in  several  engagements  of  the  present  war. 
It  was  not  until  after  the  occurrence  that  I  learned  who  it  was  ; 
but  had  he  been  my  best  friend,  I  can  not  see  how  it  would  have 
resulted  otherwise  from  the  part  he  acted  on  the  occasion. 
With  no  authority  to  demand  the  countersign,  I  would  have 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  177 

been  derelict  in  my  duty  had  I  yielded  to  his  demand.  His  re 
fusal  to  give  me  his  name,  rank,  or  any  information  about  him, 
or  upon  what  authority,  if  any,  he  assumed  to  act,  (the  fact 
being,  as  you  are  well  aware,  that  he  had  none,)  especially  as 
his  request  was  couched  in  the  terms  I  have  stated,  and  the 
enemy  immediately  in  our  front,  called  upon  me  to  act  with  more 
than  ordinary  precaution  in  revealing  the  countersign,  and  not 
unless  to  one  entitled  to  it.  But  besides,  the  personal  violence 
I  had  just  cause  to  fear  gave  undoubted  right  to  protect  myself 
against  it.  I  intended  to  have  sent  this  statement  before,  but 
my  duties  for  the  past  two  days  have  prevented  it,  and  I  have 
now  been  obliged  to  make  it  hurriedly,  hoping  thereby  to  correct 
any  erroneous  impressions  that  may  have  been  made,  and  to 
prevent  them  in  future. 

I  will  only  be  too  glad  to  have  an  official  investigation  of  the 
matter  at  any  time.  I  am,  Colonel,  your  obedient  servant, 

MICHAEL  CORCORAN, 

Brigadier-General. 

~No  doubt  may  have  existed  in  military  circles  as 
to  the  legality  of  the  act  committed  by  General  Cor 
coran.  He  was  set  upon  while  in  the  performance  of 
duty  by  some  one  to  him  unknown,  the  individual 
drawing  a  sword  and  threatening  the  life  of  a  superior 
officer.  In  view  of  such  fact  alone  there  might  be 
some  justification  in  taking  life. 

But  Kimball  was  alone,  while  Corcoran  was  accom 
panied  by  his  staff.  The  General  stepped  consider 
ably  below  the  dignity  of  his  office  in  bickering  with 
an  unknown  person,  when  it  was  in  his  power  to  have 
arrested  him,  which  would  have  been  quite  as  military 
as  what  he  did. 

But  there  is  a  question  of  humanity  in  the  affair. 
He  took  the  life  of  an  individual  who,  under  the  cir 
cumstances,  was  without  the  power  of  doing  harm. 


178  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES: 

Surrounded  as  he  was  by  officers  of  excellent  reputa 
tion  and  high  personal  character,  who,  in  the  most 
aggravating  case,  would  have  allowed  the  considera 
tion  of  the  rights  of  man  preference  above  all  others, 
he  proved  himself  recreant  to  their  influence,  and 
committed  a  deed  that  brought  down  upon  him  al 
most  universal  censure.  If  his  presence  at  the  front 
was  required  in  such  haste,  it  was  a  portion  of  his 
duty  to  have  immediately  arrested  the  offender,  (which 
he  could  easily  have  done,)  that  he  might  proceed 
without  delay  to  the  execution  of  the  orders  given 
him,  instead  of  wasting  five  or  ten  minutes  by  talking 
in  the  manner  he  says  he  did. 

But  the  justice  he  denied  to  a  fellow-being  overtook 
him  at  last :  he  fell  from  his  horse  one  niojht  and 

cD 

broke  his  neck,  and  the  cause  of  the  event  was  no 
more  flattering  to  him  than  the  conduct  he  attributed 
to  the  deceased  Lieut.-Colonel  would  have  been  to 
any  officer  or  gentleman. 

Therefore,  in  the  general  working  of  Providence,  it 
may  be  presumed  that  the  censure  General  Corcoran 
everywhere  met  with  was  justly  accorded. 

The  body  of  Lieut.-Colonel  E.  A.  Kirnball  was  care 
fully  embalmed  and  forwarded  to  New- York,  under 
a  proper  escort  detailed  from  the  regiment.  Having 
arrived  in  the  city,  the  remains  were  met  at  the  foot 
of  Cortlandt  street  by  a  detachment  of  the  Seventy- 
first  Regiment  National  Guard.  The  body  wasnext 
taken  to  the  City  Hall,  where  it  was  laid  out  in  state. 
Ten  men  of  Company  C  of  the  Seventy -first  acted  as 
a  guard  of  honor  during  the  night,  and  were  relieved 
by  a  detail  from  the  Sixty-ninth. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  179 

The  wounded  members  of  the  "Ninth"  (there 
being  quite  a  number  of  them  in  the  city  at  the  time) 
held  a  meeting  and  passed  resolutions  of  condolence 
at  the  death  of  their  companion  in  arms. 

Before  the  remains  left  the  Governor's  room  a  lady 
entered,  bringing  in  her  arms  a  basket  filled  with 
flowers  of  the  most  delightful  perfume,  and  strewed 
them  upon  the  coffin.  The  dog  of  the  deceased  sol 
dier,  which  had  followed  its  master  through  the  war, 
was  crouched  beneath  the  coffin,  desolate  and  in 
consolable. 

On  the  afternoon  in  which  the  funeral  took  place  a 
vast  crowd  had  assembled  around  the  City  Hall,  and 
the  regiments  that  were  to  take  part  in  the  proces 
sion  were  drawn  up  in  line  opposite  to  it.  The  coffin, 
around  which  the  American  colors  had  been  taste 
fully  wrapped,  was  brought  out  by  six  dark-skinned 
Zouaves  and  deposited  in  tl\e  hearse. 

The  flags  upon  the  public  buildings  and  the  ship 
ping  were  at  half-mast,  and  a  remarkable  degree  of 
solemnity  prevailed.  The  route  of  the  procession  was 
taken  up,  and  the  remains  were  conveyed  to  Green 
wood  with  considerable  pomp,  the  funeral  being  a 
very  imposing  one. 


180  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES  : 


JMFTEENTH  ; 
$  u  f  i;  o  1  k  to  $  e w-1? o n h « 

QHOETLY  after  their  arrival  at  Suffolk  the 
O  "  Ninth. "  was  sent  to  Fort  Nansemond,  which 
was  designated  by  General  Keyes,  then  commanding 
that  department,  as  a  post  of  honor.  This  "  post  of 
honor "  had  been  so  carefully  constructed  by  some 
stupid  engineer  as  to  be  commanded  by  a  hill  in  the 
immediate  front.  The  rebel  General  Longstreet,  who 
was  besieging  the  place  with  an  army  of  thirty  thou 
sand  troops,  availed  himself  of  the  advantages  offered 
by  this  elevation.  Rifle-pits  occupied  every  point  of 
ground  suitable  for  the  object  of  directing  a  fire  upon 
the  fort,  some  of  them  being  only  a  few  rods  from  it ; 
and  the  sharp-shooters  who  were  in  them  used  their 
rifles  so  constantly  that  the  Zouaves  were  obliged  to 
keep  under  cover  all  the  while,  excepting  at  such 
times  when  the  rebels  were  becoming  too  mischiev 
ous,  or  were  gaining  too  many  advantages,  when  they 
would  spring  up  and  open  their  artillery  upon  the 
rifle-pits,  dropping  the  shell  into  them  with  such 
effect  as  to  cause  the  enemy  to  spring  nimbly  out  and 
scamper  away,  not,  however,  without  great  loss  to 
their  numbers ;  some  would  be  blown  in  pieces,  and 
others  picked  off,  while  yet  in  their  flight,  by  the  ready 


THEIR  BATTLES   AND  MARCHES.  181 

rifles  of  the  Zouaves.  But  they  would  return  again ; 
and  whenever  the  musketry  from  the  fort  failed  to 
make  an  impression  on  them,  the  heavier  guns  were 
resorted  to  at  once,  invariably  accomplishing  the  ob 
ject  of  driving  them  back  ;  and  this  method  met  with 
such  continual  success  as  to  convince  the  enemy  that 
a  respectful  distance  was  more  desirable,  and  they 
accordingly  sighted  their  rifles  for  a  more  distant  aim. 
But  they  were  not,  for  all  that,  to  [remain  unmolest 
ed,  frequent  sortie-parties  being  sent  out  to  attack 
them. 

The  siege  was  prosecuted  vigorously  on  a  scale  of 
great  magnitude,  but  the  strategy  of  the  enemy  was 
everywhere  successfully  met  by  the  vigilant  defend 
ers.  The  most  active  engagements  between  the  two 
forces  transpired  near  or  in  front  of  Fort  Nansemond. 

Picket-firing  was  kept  up  by  the  rebels  throughout 
the  entire  siege.  Although  mutual  agreements  "  not 
to  fire  "  were  frequently  entered  into,  yet  the  rebels 
continually  dissolved  them,  the  Texas  and  South- 
Carolina  troops  being  the  most  vindictive,  seeking 
every  chance  to  fire  upon  the  unsuspecting  Union 
soldier. 

While  in  this  fort  the  « Ninth  "  had  ample  oppor 
tunity  of  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  defensive  warfare. 
It  is  true  that  they  had  been  under  the  instruction  of 
General  Phelps  at  Newports  News,  who  put  them 
through  interesting  drills  upon  the  fortifications  of 
that  place,  in  anticipation  of  an  attack  from  General 
Magruder;  but  nothing  instructs  so  well  as  actual 
experience.  They  now  had  the  privilege  of  putting 
their  practice  to  the  test ;  and  could  General  Phelp's 


182  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES! 

but  have  seen  them,  he  would  have  felt  repaid  for  the 
trouble  he  had  in  teaching  them. 

The  Zouaves  were  constantly  harassed  clay  and 
night  by  the  enemy,  scarcely  an  hour  passing  with 
out  a  portion  of  the  regiment  being  engaged  in  some 
.excitement.  Although  the  numbers  in  killed  and 
wounded  were  comparatively  small,  yet  it  is  ques 
tioned  if  to  pass  several  weeks  under  incessant  fire, 
worried  by  a  thousand  dreaded  anticipations,  was  a 
better  choice  of  warfare  than  a  short  and  decisive 
conflict,  where  all  is  ended  in  a  few  hours.  In  all 
their  previous  engagements  they  had  charged  upon 
the  enemy,  and  it  is  not  strange  that  they  should  at 
this  place  have  experienced  some  pleasant  satisfac 
tion  at  being  placed  in  a  contest  where  the  enemy 
was  expected  to  charge  upon  them. 

Company  K  was  for  some  time  in  charge  of  Fort 
Halleck,  where  they  handled  their  guns  often  and 
well,  doing  great  damage  to  the  enemy.  At  one  time 
the  rebels  were  secretly  erecting  a  battery  up  the 
ISTansemond  river,  which  was  concealed  by  a  small 
but  thick  wood.  The  movement  was  strongly  sus 
pected,  and  Company  K  went  at  once  to  the  extreme 
left,  and  immediately  began  the  construction  of  a  bat 
tery,  with  far  greater  secrecy,  directly  opposite. 
When  the  rebels  had  completed  their  work  and  were 
ready  to  use  it,  they  cut  away  the  woods  and  opened 
fire  upon  the  Union  lines.  But  the  Zouaves  had 
worked  with  spirit,  and  in  the  anticipation  of  defeat 
ing  the  enemy's  design,  had  constructed  their  work 
with  haste,  and  were  prepared  for  them.  Clearing 
away  the  trees  in  front,  Captain  Morris  gave  his  com- 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  188 

pany  the  command  to  fire,  and  they  at  once  opened 
upon  the  rebels  with  heavy  shell.  They  were  com 
pletely  astonished,  and  in  a  short  time  their  battery 
was  silenced.  They  plainly  saw  that  the  Zouaves 
were  good  at  flank  movements.  To  them  every  fiery 
cap  seemed  to  send  an  ignited  shell  among  them. 

But  the  term  of  service  for  which  the  regiment  was 
sworn  in  was  now  about  to  expire  ;  and  between  the 
shot  and  shell  of  the  enemy  they  entertained  the  hap 
piest  anticipations  of  once  again  enjoying  peace  *at 
home,  for  the  full  realization  of  which  they  had  fought 
battles  and  won  victories.  While  in  the  midst  of  this 
pleasant  hope  a  communication  was  received  from 
General  Dix,  requesting  them  to  remain  a  few  days 
after  their  term  was  served  out. 

The  address  was  read  to  the  different  companies 
separately,  and  a  vote  taken  upon  it.  They  unani 
mously  declined  the  honor  of  serving  longer,  and  de 
cided  to  go  home. 

The  officers  of  the  regiment  also  took  proper  steps 
in  the  matter.  Below  are  the  resolutions  adopted  at 
a  meeting  held  by  them  : 


At  a  meeting  of  the  field  and  line  officers  of  the  NINTH  NEW- 
YORK  VOLUNTEERS,  held  in  camp  at  Suffolk,  Ya.,  April  80th, 
1863,  Colonel  RUSH  C.  HAWKINS  in  the  chair, 

The  address  of  Major-General  John  A.  Dix  to  the  soldiers  of 
the  Ninth  New-York  Yolunteers,  under  date  of  the  28th  instant, 
and  the  telegraphic  dispatch  from  Major-General  Dix,  under  date 
of  the  30th  instant,  were  read,  and  after  due  consideration  it  was 
unanimously 

Resolved,  That,  under  the  peculiar  circumstances  in  which 
the  regiment  is  at  present  situated,  the  request  of  Major-General 


18 i  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

Dix  to  remain  for  a  longer  period  than  its  term  of  service  be  re 
spectfully  but  firmly  declined. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  forwarded  to 
Major-General  John  A.  Dix. 

RUSH  0.  HAWKINS, 

Colonel  Ninth  New-York  Volunteers,  Chairman. 
0.  W.  PARISEN, 

First  Lieutenant  Ninth  New-York  Volunteers, 

Secretary. 

*Tlie  appeal  and  complimentary  order  of  General 
Dix: 

HEADQUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  VIRGINIA, 

SEVENTH  ARMY  CORPS,  FORT  MONROE,  VA., 

April  28,  1863. 
To  THE  NINTH  REGIMENT  NEW- YORK  VOLUNTEERS  : 

SOLDIERS  :  The  term  for  which  you  were  mustered  into  the 
United  States  service  expires  five  days  from  to-day.  You  are 
entitled  to  transportation  to  New- York,  where  you  will  be  mus 
tered  out.  It  will  be  furnished  on  the  day  you  ask  for  it.  But 
you  are  now  holding  a  post  of  honor  in  the  face  of  the  enemy. 
Your  experience  and  your  gallantry  upon  numerous  battle-fields, 
and  your  familiarity  with  the  special  service  which  has  been  as 
signed  to  you,  make  it  vitally  important  that  you  should  remain 
a  few  days — long  enough,  at  least,  to  supply  your  place  by  an 
other  regiment.  I  appeal  to  you,  therefore,  for  the  sake  of  the 
cause  you  are  upholding,  and  by  the  honorable  name  you  have 
won,  to  give  a  short  time  more  to  your  country  in  this  emergency. 
Nothing  would  so  gratify  the  enemy  whom  you  have  so  often 
encountered  and  put  to  rout  as  to  see  you  laying  down  your 
arms,  and  leaving  your  comrades  in  other  regiments  and  corps  to 
abide  the  issue  of  the  assault  he  is  meditating  ;  and  let  me  say, 
in  all  frankness,  that  nothing  would  be  less  grateful  to  the  hosts 
of  friends  at  home,  who  are^  waiting  with  gratulating  hands  and 
welcoming  voices  to  greet  your  return,  and  to  testify,  by  the  re 
ception  they  will  give  you,  how  much  they  owe  you  for  uphold 
ing,  with  courage  and  devotion  unsurpassed,  your  country's 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  185 

honor  and  your  own.  I  would  not  ask  you  to  remain  a  single 
day  beyond  the  expiration  of  your  term  of  service,  if  I  did  not 
feel,  under  the  circumstances  in  which  you  are  placed,  that  it 
was  due  to  yourselves  as  well  as  to  the  cause.  I  do  not  ask  you 
to  decide  now ;  take  time  to  consider  what  I  propose  to  you,  and 
advise  me  at  an  early  day.  I  have  some  claim  to  your  confi 
dence.  I  was  the  first  general  officer  who  received  you  when 
you  were  organized.  You  went  to  the  field  under  my  orders. 
The  chances  of  war  have  again  placed  you  under  my  command, 
when  your  term  of  service  is  expiring.  I  feel,  therefore,  that  I 
have  more  than  an  ordinary  interest  in  your  fortune  and  in  the 
good  name  ^ou  have  earned  ;  and  you  will  believe  me  when  I 
say  that  I  could  make  no  appeal  to  you,  nor  give  you  any  coun 
sel  which  I  did  not  think  due  alike  to  your  country  and  your 
selves.  JOHN  A.  Dix,  Major-General. 

The  appended  reply  from  Colonel  Hawkins  to  Ma 
jor-General  Dix  fully  satisfies  us  with  the  action 
taken  by  the  regiment  in  regard  to  the  touching  ap 
peal  of  their  General : 

HEADQUARTERS,  FORT  NANSEMOND, 

SUFFOLK,  VA.,  April  30,  1863. 
MAJOR-GENERAL   JOHN   A.  Dix,   COMMANDING  DEPARTMENT   OF 

VIRGINIA  : 

GENERAL  :  Your  address  of  the  28th  instant  to  the  regiment 
which  I  have  the  honor  to  command  calls  for  a  reply. 

As  a  regiment  we  feel  that  we  have  performed  all  our  country 
has  any  right  to  expect  or  demand.  Our  contract  has  been  ful 
filled  to  the  letter.  From  the  first  moment  of  our  taking  the 
field  we  have  been  in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  never  having  been 
in  a  fort,  garrison,  or  camp  of  instruction,  where  we  could  have 
the  opportunity  of  drilling.  Our  home  has  been  in  the  field, 
where  all  the  exposures  and  hardships  incident  to  a  soldier's  life 
have  been  endured  without  a  murmur.  No  matter  how  hard  or 
difficult  the  service  we  have  been  called  upon  to  perform,  it  has 
always  been  done  cheerfully  and  with  alacrity. 


186  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

The  most  of  my  officers  and  men  have  a  home  circle  of  anx 
ious  relatives  who  are  expecting  to  see  them  return  at  the  ear 
liest  moment  after  the  term  of  their  service  expires.  None  of 
them  have  even  thought  we  should  be  called  upon  to  remain 
longer.  Our  situation  has  always  been  such  that  it  would  not 
have  been  consistent  with  the  interests  of  the  service  to  grant 
furloughs ;  the  consequence  is,  not  five  per  cent  of  the  enlisted 
men  have  been  home  since  they  entered  the  service.  It  is  now 
quite  natural  that  they  should  desire  to  return,  rather  than  run 
the  risk  of  being  killed  in  another  action  after  their  time  has  ex 
pired. 

I  think  you  will  admit  that  a  regiment  which  hafc  changed  its 
camp  twenty -nine  times,  spent  five  months  on  the  sand-banks  of 
Hatteras,  and  lost  over  four  hundred  men,  killed  and  wounded, 
"in  two  years,  deserves  some  little  consideration  from  the  Govern 
ment,  and  the  people  who  remain  at  home  in  easy  chairs. 

When  the  first  gun  was  fired  at  Sumter,  we. jumped  to  arms 
with  all  the  eagerness  and  enthusiasm  of  youth.  We  asked  no 
bounty.  No  hope  of  reward  was  held  out  to  us.  We  felt  that 
our  country  was  in  danger,  and  needed  our  support.  We  loved 
our  country  and  its  noble  history  then,  and  we  love  it  now ;  but 
we  feel  that  others  who  have  remained  in  the  back-ground  should 
step  forward  to  the  front  and  supply  our  place. 

The  "  post  of  honor"  is  not  new  to  us.  We  have  had  it  be 
fore,  and  paid  for  it  dearly  with  the  lives  of  many  of  the  noblest 
youths  our  country  ever  possessed.  Individual  courage  and 
bravery  have  all  gone  for  naught.  The  imbecility  of  many  high 
commanding  officers  in  the  field  has  cast  a  damning  blight  and 
disgrace  over  the  graves  of  our  brave  countrymen.  Taking  into 
consideration  the  fact  that  we  have  been  here  nearly  three  weeks, 
and  that  ample  time  has  elapsed  to  have  supplied  our  place,  we 
do  not  think  it  incumbent  upon  us  to  remain  longer  than  the 
third  day  of  May,  the  day  upon  which  our  term  of  service  ex 
pires.  I,  therefore,  on  behalf  of  the  regiment,  call  for  trans 
portation  to  be  furnished  to  us  at  that  time.  If  on  account  of 
this  refusal  to  comply  with  your  request  we  go  home  in  disgrace, 
and  meet  thorns  where  we  had  expected  to  find  flowers,  we  must 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  187 

bear  up  under  it  with  the  same  courage  which  has  characterized 
all  our  actions  since  we  became  defenders  of  our  country's  honor. 
I  am,  with  the  highest  esteem  and  personal  consideration,  your 
most  faithful  servant,  RUSH  C.  HAWKINS, 

Colonel  Ninth  New-York  Volunteers. 

The  day  succeeding  that  on  which  General  Dix  re 
ceived  the  reply  of  Colonel  Hawkins,  the  "  Ninth  " 
was  relieved  by  the  Sixth  Massachusetts,  and  they 
now  held  themselves  in  readiness  to  depart  for  New- 
York,  where  they  would  be  mustered  out.  It  was  at 
this  time  that  General  Getty  issued  a  farewell  and 
complimentary  address  to  the  regiment.  They  had 
been  under  his  watchful  eye  for  several  months,  and 
he  had  learned  to  value  those  superior  soldierly  qual 
ities  which  they  everywhere  exhibited. 

HEADQUARTERS,  THIRD  DIVISION  NINTH  ARMY 

CORPS,  SUFFOLK,  VA.,  May  2,  1863. 
j  General  Orders,  \ 
]         No.  27.         f 

After  two  years  of  constant  field  service,  the  Ninth  regiment 
New-York  State  Volunteers  are  now  about  to  return  home,  their 
term  of  service  having  expired.  Among  the  first  to  spring  to 
arms  at  their  country's  call,  they  now  return  home  after  two 
years  of  faithful  and  gallant  service,  with  the  heartfelt  satisfac 
tion  of  having  done  their  duty,  with  the  praises  of  their  friends, 
and  the  admiration  of  the  enemy  ;  and  with  HATTERAS,  ROA- 
NOKE,  CAMDEN,  SOUTH-MOUNTAIN,  ANTIETAM,  FREDERICKSBURGH, 
and  SUFFOLK  inscribed  on  their  banners. 

Fare  you  well  1  brave  and  faithful  comrades  !     The  best  wish 
es  of  those  you  leave  follow  you,  and  will  unite  with  the  cheers 
of  the  thousands  who  will  greet  your  triumphant  march  through 
your  native  city,  to  do  you  the  honor  you  have  so  richly  earned. 
By  command  of  GEORGE  W.  GETTY, 

Brigadier-General. 

Captain  GARDINER,  Assistant  Adjutant- General. 


THE  HAWKINS   ZOUAVES: 

On  the  3d  day  of  May  the  "  Ninth  "  left  Suffolk, 
and  proceeded  to  Norfolk,  thence  to  Fortress  Monroe, 
where  they  received  transportation  to  the  place  of 
their  enlistment.  The  people  of  New- York  were 
notified  of  the  expected  arrival  of  the  Zouaves  by 
the  following  extract  from  a  paper  of  May  fifth : 

"  The  regiment  will  arrive  in  this  city  to-day.  Extensive  ar 
rangements  have  been  made  in  order  to  give  the  gallant  corps  an 
enthusiastic  reception.  Several  fire  companies,  both  of  New- 
York  and  Brooklyn,  have  volunteered  to  turn  out  on  the  occa 
sion.  The  Twelfth  Regiment,  National  Guard,  will  also  parade 
in  honor  of  the  returning  heroes.  They  come -on  the  steamer 
Kennebec,  and  may  be  expected  to  land  about  nine  o'clock  A.M. 
A  meeting  of  the  wounded  and  friends  of  the  regiment  was  held 
at  25  Carmine  street  yesterday  afternoon,  and  arrangements 
were  made  for  the  ex-members,  wounded,  and  friends,  to  turn 
out  upon  the  occasion.  The  Zouaves  will  be  commanded  by 
Colonel  Hawkins." 

The  regiment  when  at  Fortress  Monroe  received 
orders*  from  the  War  Department  to  leave  their  arms 
and  equipments  at  that  place.  The  orders  were  coun 
termanded,  but  not  until  it  was  too  late,  and  the 
Zouaves  were  far  out  at  sea.  This  was  something 
they  had  not  looked  for.  They  had  long  enjoyed  the 
expectation  of  returning  home  crowned  with  honors, 
to  be  proudly  received  in  their  native  city.  Bat  they 
were  now  ashamed  of  this  action  of  the  Government, 
for  which  they  had  undergone  so  much  hardship,  and 
braved  so  many  dangers,  and  they  could  scarcely  be- 

*  The  order  was  so  unfavorably  received  by  both  soldiers  and  citi 
zens,  that  the  War  Department  decided  that  in  the  future  soldiers  should 
retain  their  arms  and  equipments  until  mustered  out. 


THEIR   BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  189 

lieve  it  was  so  ungrateful  as  to  place  them  in  the  at 
titude  of  cowards  before  those  from  whom  they  ex 
pected  cheers  of  welcome.  It  was  for  the  purpose  of 
securing  them  the  necessary  arms  and  equipments 
that  the  wounded  held  the  meeting  alluded  to.  "  Our 
brave  comrades  shall  not  come  home  like  uniformed 
convicts,  as  though  they  have  been  guilty  of  some 
crime  against  their  country  !"  The  muskets  were 
procured  and  taken  to  the  dock,  where  the  Zouaves 
landed  and  gladly  received  them. 
9* 


190  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 


^ 


IXTEENTH  : 
tf)ut, 


f\F  tlieir  reception  it  lias  been  said  : 

"After  a  severe  and  gallant  campaign,  the  Ninth  New- 
York'Volunteers  (more  familiarly  known  as  the  Hawkins  Zouaves) 
arrived  in  this  city  at  an  early  hour  yesterday  morning.  They 
were  the  recipients  of  a  cordial  and  well-deserved  welcome  at  the 
hands  of  the  people,  although  the  weather  interfered  somewhat 
with  the  arrangements  which  had  been  made  to  give  the  Zouaves 
a  large  and  imposing  escort.  They  landed  at  the  Battery,  where 
was  assembled  a  vast  number  of  people,  who  cheered  them  as 
they  came  from  the  steamer.  At  this  time  the  Twelfth  Regiment, 
National  Guard,  had  reached  the  spot,  accompanied  by  a  fine 
band  ;  and  the  line  of  procession  was  immediately  taken  up 
through  Broadway  to  Fourteenth  street  ;  and  although  the  rain 
came  down  rather  disagreeably,  it  did  not  deter  immense  crowds 
from  turning  out  in  order  to  welcome  the  returning  heroes.  The 
soldiers  looked  exceedingly  hearty  after  their  arduous  campaign, 
and  bore  the  evident  marks  of  well-  disciplined  veterans,  as  well 
as  men  who  were  able  and  willing  to  do  the  bravest  deeds  when 
necessary.  Two  bands  of  music  accompanied  the  procession, 
and  several  private  societies  also  took  part  in  the  turn-out.  The 
regiment  numbered  about  four  hundred  men,  and  was  command 
ed  by  Colonel  Hawkins,  who  was  quite  warmly  received  upon 
being  recognized  by  the  crowd." 

Volumes  of  eulogies  were  passed  upon  the  regi 
ment  and  freely  circulated.    They  are  all  summed  up 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  191 

in  the  fact  that  the  Zouaves  were  the  most  soldierly 
body  of  men  returned  from  the  war.  Veterans  usu 
ally  returned  dirty  ;  but  about  the  persons  of  the 
Zouaves  there  was  observed  a  uniform  cleanliness, 
and  their  clothing  was  neat,  though  considerably 
patched. 

The  u  ]^inth"  had  been  in  the  city  but  a  few  days 
when  Colonel  Hawkins  issued  an  order  relative  to 
the  death  of  Colonel  Benjamin  Ringold,  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Third  New- York  Volunteers.  This  re 
giment  had  long  been  in  the  same  brigade  with  the 
Zouaves,  and  the  many  incidents  of  battles,  skirmishes, 
and  inarches  had  aroused  mutual  friendship  between 
the  two  regiments — one  strictly  American,  and  the 
other  more  decidedly  German  in  composition  and 
character.  The  death  of  the  Colonel  was  deeply 
lamented  by  the  soldiers  and  the  circle  of  friends  at 
home  in  which  he  had  once  moved. 

HEADQUARTERS  NINTH  NEW- YORK  VOLUNTEERS, 

48  PINE  STREET,  NEW-YORK  CITY,  May  11,  18G3. 
(Special  Orders.) 

The  regiment  will  assemble  at  the  arsenal,  corner  Thirty -fifth 
street  and  Seventh  avenue,  at  half-past  nine  o'clock  A.M.,  on  the 
13th  instant,  for  the  purpose  of  attending  the  funeral  of  their 
late  lamented  companion  in  arms,  Colonel  Benjamin  Ringold,  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Third  New-York  Volunteers.  The  drum- 
corps  and  fifers,  without  the  drum-major,  will  assemble  with  the 
regiment.  The  field  and  staff  will  be  mounted,  and  the  officers 
and  enlisted  men  will  wear  white  gloves. 

By  order  RUSH  C.  HAWKINS,  Colonel. 

THOMAS  L.  BARTHOLOMEW,  Adjutant. 

The  regiment  turned  out  in  full  numbers,  and  made 


192  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 

a  very  fine  appearance.  The  remains  of  the  deceased 
were  escorted  throuo-h  the  city  with  due  solemnity, 
and  deposited  in  their  last  resting-place. 

The  "  Ninth "  was  mustered  out  of  service  and 
paid  off  by  company  at  the  old  arsenal  in  White 
street,  in  the  latter  part  of  May. 

About  one  hundred  and  fifty  of  the  Zouaves  imme 
diately  reenlisted,  with  Major  Jardine  at  their  head, 
the  design  being  to  organize  a  new  regiment ;  but  the 
misfortune  which  their  commander  met  with  shortly 
afterward  somewhat  interfered  with  the  contemplated 
object. 

At  the  July  riots  a  battalion  of  the  Zouaves,  under 
command  of  Major  Jardine,  shouldered  their  muskets 
and  turned  out  to  assist  in  quelling  the  disturbance. 
They  fired  low  and  fast  into  the  insane  mob,  doing 
admirable  execution.  Major  Jardine  was  severely 
wounded,  and  afterward  came  near  losing  his  life 
at  the  hands  of  the  fiendish  Irish.  It  is  deeply  re 
gretted  that  an  excellent  soldier,  who  had  passed 
safely  through  so  many  battles,  should,  after  return 
ing  from  the  war,  be  maimed  for  life  by  those  very 
men  whose  lives  and  homes  he  had  fought  to  protect. 

He  was  no  longer  able  to  command  the  Zouaves 
who  had  reenlisted ;  they  consequently  joined  the 
Seventeenth  New- York  Volunteers,  then  in  the  army 
of  General  Sherman,  and  passed  with  it  through  the 
most  memorable  campaign  of  the  world. 

Others  afterward  reenlisted  in  various  regiments, 
and  many  were  either  killed  or  wounded. 

Detachments  of  the  regiment  have  turned  out  upon 
a  number  of  occasions  since  its  return  from  the  war, 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  193 

and  the  interest  manifested  by  the  public  in  its  early 
career  was  maintained  upon  every  occasion. 

The  surviving  members  formed  themselves  into  a"n 
association  known  as  the  HAWKINS  ZOUAVE  ASSOCIA 
TION.  An  extract  from  Article  1st  of  the  By-Laws 
reads  as  follows  : 

"  Its  object  shall  be  to  bring  together,  in  civil  relations,  those 
who  were  joined  in  defense  of  their  country  under  the  banner  of 
the  NINTH  NEW-YORK  VOLUNTEERS,  with  the  view  of  continuing 
the  friendships  there  contracted  and  cemented  by  the  vicissitudes 
of  a  soldier's  life." 

In  the  summer  of  1865  the  few  remaining  members 
of  the  regiment  began  the  organization  of  a  Zouave 
militia  regiment.  None  but  veterans  who  had  served 
in  the  late  war  were  eligible  to  membership.  The 
companies  filled  up  with  a  quickness  unprecedented 
in  the  formation  of  any  militia  regiment. 

They  have  received  their  charter,  being  denomin 
ated  the  First  Eegiment  New- York  State  National 
Guard,  attached  to  the  Third  Brigade,  and  are  com 
manded  by  Colonel  Hawkins.  Their  first  appearance 
in  public  will  be  li ailed  witli  acclamations,  for  with 
the  commencement  of  their  organization  dates  a  new 
era  in  the  history  of  the  State  militia. 


THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES  : 


SEVENTEENTH  : 


at 


THE  company,  under  command  of  Captain  Ham- 
mill,  was  ordered  on  an  expedition  to  Plymouth, 
North-Carolina,  for  which  place  they  embarked  from 
Roanoke  Island  on  June  llth,  1862.  They  kept  up 
a  continual  reconnoissance  about  the  town  until  the 
30th  of  the  month,  when  they  rejoined  the  regiment. 
As  soon,  however,  as  they  could  be  replenished  with 
the  necessities  requisite  for  being  on  detached  service, 
they  again  went  to  Plymouth  and  took  up  their  quar 
ters  as  garrison  of  the  town. 

Captain  Hammill  learned  that  the  enemy  were  en 
deavoring  to  make  themselves  a  secure  position  in  the 
town  of  Hamilton,  and  in  company  with  the  com 
mander  of  the  fleet  on  the  Roanoke  river,  he  deter 
mined  to  dislodge  them.  The  company  embarked  on 
board  the  gunboats  Commodore  Perry,  Ceres,  and 
Shawsheen,  and  proceeded  in  the  direction  of  the 
enemy  without  molestation,  until  they  had  reached 
Rainbow  Bluffs,  just  below  the  town.  Here  the  reb 
els  opened  a  severe  fire  upon  the  boats  passing  below, 
wounding  Lieutenant  Green.  But  the  fleet  succeed 
ed  in  reaching  Hamilton,  where  the  company  landed, 
and  in  a  bloodless  skirmish  drove  the  rebels  from  the 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  195 

town  far  into  the  adjoining  country.  After  making 
themselves  masters  of  the  place,  they  returned  to 
Plymouth. 

One  month  later,  Captain  Hammill,  with  a  detach 
ment  of  his  company,  went  on  an  expedition  up  the 
Chowan  river.  They  took  from  the  enemy  a  large 
quantity  of  cotton  and  bacon,  without  any  loss  to 
themselves,  and  returned  to  camp  the  following 
day. 

The  greater  portion  of  the  inhabitants  at  Plymouth 
professed  to  be  loyal  to  the  Government,  and  from 
amonor  them  Colonel  Hawkins,  with  the  assistance  <5f 

o  ' 

Lieutenant  Flusser  of  the  navy,  had  succeeded  in  or 
ganizing  a  battalion  of  several  hundred  men,  to  pro 
tect  the  town  from  the  contemplated  attacks  of  the 
rebels.  Much  difficulty  was  met  with  in  making  ar 
rangements  to  supply  them  with  arms  and  munitions  ; 
but  after  perseverance  the  obstacles  were  overcome, 
and  several  companies  wrere  formed  and  placed  under 
the  command  of  Captain  Hammill. 

It  was  not  known  how  soon  the  rebels,  who  were 
increasing  in  numbers  in  that  part  of  the  State,  would 
venture  to  attack  the  town. 

An  alarm  spread  through  camp  one  night.  The 
movements  of  the  enemy  were  suspicioned.  A  loyal 
native  arrived  at  the  post  in  haste,  and  communicated 
to  Captain  Hammill  the  alarming  intelligence  that 
the  rebels,  with  a  large  force  of  cavalry  and  infantry, 
estimated  at  fourteen  hundred  serviceable  men,  had 
approached  within  three  miles  of  the  place  and  bivou 
acked,  intending  at  early  dawn  to  surprise  and  burn 
the  town.  As  soon  as  the  news  reached  headquar- 


196  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

ters  all  was  bustle  and  activity,  in  making  prepara 
tion  for  a  stubborn  resistance. 

Unfortunately,  Captain  liammill  was  '  too  ill  to 
take  command  of  his  company  ;  the  First  Lieutenant 
was  also  sick  with  the  fever ;  and  the  Second  Lieuten 
ant  was  not  yet  recovered  from  the  wound  received 
at  Rainbow  Bluffs;  consequently  the  whole  command 
devolved  upon  First  Sergeant  Green.  Several  sailors 
from  the  navy  volunteered  their  assistance  in  the  ap 
proaching  fight. 

No  time  was  to  be  lost,  and  Sergeant  Green  quick 
ly  resolved  upon  the  course  to  be  pursued.  He  as 
sembled  his  little  army  and  marched  out  to  meet  the 
enemy,  proceeding  to  their  bivouac  in  a  manner  suf 
ficiently  cautious  to  effect  a  surprise.  When  they 
had  arrived  near  enough,  Sergeant  Green  gave  the 
word  of  command,  and  the  Zouaves,  Carolinians,  and 
sailors  sprang  upon  them,  at  the  same  time  pouring 
into  the  confused  host  a  deadly  volley  of  musketry ; 
and  so  rapidly  was  the  fire  kept  up,  that  the  enemy 
could  not  recover  from  the  surprise,  and  in  a  short 
time  they  turned  and  fled  in  the  utmost  confusion, 
leaving  a  great  number  of  killed  and  wounded  upon 
the  spot.  They  were  pursued,  many  of  them  being 
cut  down  in  their  flight ;  and  to  this  day  they  will 
not  acknowledge  that  they  were  defeated  by  so  small 
a  force. 

Thirty  of  the  rebels  were  killed  outright,  and  the 
usual  proportion  were  wounded.  The  prisoners  cap 
tured  were  Colonel  Garret,  commanding  the  infantry, 
Lieutenant  Fagan,  commanding  the  cavalry,  and  forty 
enlisted  men,  besides  thirty  of  the  horses  belonging 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  197 

to  Fagan's  mounted  squad.  The  loss  sustained  by 
the  force  under  Sergeant  Green  was  three  men  killed 
— Sergeant  Miner,  of  the  Zouaves ;  Charles  Lewis,  of 
the  North-Carolina  militia ;  and  one  of  the  sailors, 
name  unknown. 

This  was  a  bold  stroke  well  executed,  and  of  great 
service  to  the  Union  arms  in  that  community.  Short 
ly  afterward,  Sergeant  Green  was  deservedly  pro 
moted  to  a  lieutenancy. 

In  November  Company  F,  under  its  Captain,  em 
barked  011  the  gunboats  Hunchback  and  Commodore 
Perry,  and  proceeded  to  Williamston,  where  it  united 
with  the  command  of  General  Foster,  which  was 
already  formed  to  attack  the  enemy.  From  this  place 
they  marched  to  Tarboro,  and  after  accomplishing  the 
object  for  which  they  set  out,  they  returned  to  their 
boats  and  sailed  for  Plymouth. 

They  occupied  the  town  until  the  following  Decem 
ber,  when  they  left  it  and  joined  the  regiment  at  Fal- 
mouth,  Virginia. 

/  O 


198  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  : 


PART   EIGHTEENTH  : 
of    Killed,   Mounded,  and    Deceased  of  the  T^inth 


COLONEL  RUSH  C.  HAWKINS,  wounded,  left  arm,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Lieut. -Colonel  E.  A.  Kimball,  wounded  at  Antietara,  killed  at  Suf 
folk,  April  12,  1863. 

Major  E.  Jardine,  wounded,  both  legs,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 

Adjutant  Charles  A.  Gadsden,  killed,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 

Captain  A.  S.  Graham,  Co.  A,  wounded,  arm  and  leg,  Camden,  April 
19,  1862. 

Captain  William  G.  Barnett,  Co.  B,  wounded,  hand  and  thigh,  Antie- 
tam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Captain  Otto  W.  Parisen,  Co.  C,  wounded,  knee,  Antietam,  Sept.  17, 
1862. 

Captain  William  H.  Hammill,  Co.  F,  wounded,  left  arm,  Camdeu, 
April  19,  1862. 

Captain  Charles  Child,  Co.  G,  wounded,  foot,  Antietam,  Sept.  17, 
1862. 

Captain  Lawrence  Leahy,  Co.  I,  wounded,  shoulder,  Antietam,  Sept. 
17,  1862. 

First  Lieut.  Victor  Klingsoehr,  Co.  A,  wounded,  leg,  Camden,  April 
19,  1862. 

First  Lieut.  R.  McKecknie,  Co.  H,  wounded,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 

First  Lieut.  William  H.  Ennis,  Co.  C,  died  on  Potomac,  August  10, 
1862. 

Second  Lieut.  M.  J.  Graham,  Co.  A,  right  leg  amputated,  Antietam, 
Sept.  17,  1862. 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  199 

Second  Lieut.  Thomas  L.  Bartholomew,  Co.  B,  wounded,  head,  Cam- 
den,  April  19,  1862. 

Second  Lieut.  Frank  Powell,  wounded,  breast,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Second  Lieut.  A.  P.  Webster,  wounded,  arm,  Roanoke,  Feb.  8,  1862. 

Second  Lieut.  G.  W.  Debevoice,  Co.  A,  wounded,  spine,  Roanoke, 
Feb.  8,  1862. 

Second  Lieut.  Ed.  Cooper,  Co.  C,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  IT,  1862. 

Second  Lieut.  R.  A.  Burdett,  Co.  G,  wounded,  heel,  Antietam,  Sept. 
17,1862. 

Second  Lieut. Green,  Co.  F,  wounded,  Plymouth,  N.  C. 

Second  Lieut.  George  H.  Herbert,  Co.  K,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept. 
17,  1862. 

Sergt.-Major  A.  Dusenberry,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
Color-Sergeant  Sebastian  Myers,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept,  17,  1862. 
Quartermaster  Sergeant  John  B.  Pannes,  wounded,  neck,  Antietam, 
Sept.  17,  1862. 

Hospital  Steward  Thomas  B.  Justice,  died,  Hatteras,  Oct.  14,  1861. 

First  Sergt.  0.  B.  Forbes,  Co.  A,  wounded,  thigh,  Antietam,  Sept. 
17,  1862,  lived  in  constant  agony,  and  died  eight  months  after. 

First  Sergt.  Edwin  Dews,  Co.  B,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
First  Sergt. Geayer,  Co.  C,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Sergt. Salisbury,  Co.  A,  wounded,  near  heart,  Antietam,  Sept. 

17,  1862. 

Sergt.  James  A.  Watson,  Co.  A,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Sergt.  John  H.  E.  Whitney,  Co.  B,  wounded,  left  ileum,  Antietam, 
Sept.  17,  1862. 

Sergt.  Benjamin  F.  Stites,  Co.  C,  wounded,  foot,  Antietam,  Sept.  17, 
1862. 

Sergt,.  Peter  Searing,  Co.  D,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Sergt.  James  Fitzgerald,  Co.  D,  wounded,  thigh,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Sergt.  Van  Sych,  Co.  E,  wounded,  thigh,  Roanoke,  Feb.  8,  1862. 

Sergt.  Louis  Jacobson,  Co.  E,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Sergt.  James  D.  Keating,  Co.  E,  " 

Sergt.  A.  N.  Smith,  Co.  E, 

Sergt.  James  Reisser,  Co.  E, 


200  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

Sergt.  James  B.  Denham,  Co.  F,  wounded,  head,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862.  Died  from  its  effects  in  1865. 

Sergt.  George  W.  Wilcox,  Co.  F,  dangerously,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Sergt.  Neal  Cannon,  Co.  G,  wounded,  leg,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 

Sergt.  Patrick  Holland,  Co.  G,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Sergt.  Edward  Riley,  Co.  G,  wounded,  "  " 

Sergt.  John  H.  Byrne,  Co.  H,      "  "  " 

Sergt.  Thomas  Hodges,  Co.  H,  wounded,  shoulder,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Sergt.  Charles  E.  Hill,  Co.  I,  wounded,  head,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 

Sergt.  John  McGlinchy,  Co.  I,  drowned  at  Hatteras,  Nov.  1,  1861. 

Sergt.  Miner,  Co.  F,  killed,  Plymouth,  Sept.  2,  1862. 

Corp.  Robert  Cameron,  Co.  A,  died  of  febris  typhoides,  Dec.  1,  1861. 

Corp.  David  Van  Cott,  Co.  A,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862, 
(died.) 

Corp.  Daniel  T.  Van  Duzer,  Co.  A,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,1862. 

Corp.  James  0.  Freesman,  Co.  A,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Corp.  Jeremiah  Voorhees,  Co.  A,  wounded,  leg,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862,  (died.) 

Corp.  Thomas  Fisher,  Co.  B,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Corp.  George  W.  Farrell,  Co.  B,  wounded  in  arm,  Antietam,  Sept  17, 
1862. 

Corp.  Arthur  Spooner,  Co.  B,  wounded,  thigh,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Corp.  Martin  Myers,  Co.  C,  wounded,  shoulder,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Corp.  Joshua  C.  Fields,  Co.  C,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Corp.  Thomas  Livingston,  Co.  C,  "  "          u 

Corp.  Charles  Currie,  Co.  C,  "  "          " 

Corp.  Elsden  B.  Stephens,  Co.  C,  "  "          " 

Corp.  Lucius  Center,  Co.  C,  died  of  typhoid  fever,  June  4,  1862. 

Corp.  Theodore  Hyde,  Co.  D,  wounded,  thigh,  Antietam,  Sept.  17, 
1862. 

Corp.  Frank  Purcell,  Co.  D,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Corp.  Samuel  P.  Lawrence,  Co.  C,  killed,  '"  " 

Corp.  James  Judge,  Co.  E,  "  "  " 

Corp.  0\ven  A.  Flood,  Co.  E,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862, 
(died.) 


THEIR   BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  201 

Corp.  Richard  Bloxhane,  Co.  E,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  18G2, 
(died.) 

Corp.  Michael  Griesman,  Co.  E,  wounded,  ankle,  Antietam,  Sept.  17, 
1862,  (died.) 

Corp.  John  N.  Fink,  Co.  F,  wounded,  Camden,  April  19,  and  Antie 
tam,  Sept,  17,  1862. 

Corp.  John  L.  Hughes,  Co.  F,  wounded,  knee,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Corp.  Otten  Van  Grieff,  Co.  F,  killed,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 

Corp.  Henry  Newman,  Co.  IT,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Corp.  John  R.  Leslie,  Co.  II,  "  "  " 

Corp.  William  Matthews,  Co.  H,  wounded,  thigh,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Corp.  McMahon,  Co.  H,  wounded,  head,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 

Corp.  William  Patterson,  Co.  H,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Corp.  John  McKinley,  Co.  I,  wounded,  "  " 

Corp.  John  0.  Adair,  Co.  I,  killed,  "  " 

Corp.  Valentine  Tronapfel,  Co.  G,  wounded,  leg,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Corp.  Knapp,  Co.  G,  died  of  typhoid  fever,  Oct.  23,  1861. 

Corp.  William  Saward,  Co.  I,  killed  at  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 

Corp.  William  J.  Rogers,  Co.  B,  wounded,  hand,  Antietam,  Sept,  17, 
1862. 

Private  Marcus  May,  Co.  A,  wounded,  hand,  Roanoke,  Camden, 
foot  amputated  at  Antietam. 

Private  G.  H.  Swaine,  Co.  A,  wounded,  elbow,  Roanoke,  Feb.  8, 
1862. 

Private  Jeremiah  Donovan,  Co.  A,  head,  Roanoke,  Feb.  8,  1862, 
Private   Severin  Kress,   Co.  A,   wounded,  side,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Private  Joseph  Stage,  Co.  A,  arm  amputated,  Camden,  April  19, 
1862. 

Private  Charles  W.  Waters,  Co.  A,  body,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
John  J.  Stephens,  Co.  A,  arm,  "  u 

Eavers,  Co.  A,  died,  perforation  of  intestines,  Oct.  9,  1861. 
James  Turner,  Co.  A,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
P.  Stephens,  Co.  A,  "  «  " 

P.  Hildebrand,  Co.  A,  "  "  " 

William  H.  Banta,  Co.  A,    "  "          » 


202  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES  : 

Private  Charles  Bennett,  Co.  A,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept,  17,  1862. 

James  McConnell,  Co.  A,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Alexander  Relyea,  Co.  A,      " 

Jacob  C.  Brice,  Co.  A, 

Samuel  J.  Clark,  Co.  A,         "  "  " 

William  II.  Drake,  Co.  A,      " 

Andrew  B.  Dobbs,  Co.  A,      " 

John  Gillay,  Co.  A,  "  "  " 

Severin  Kress,  Co.  A,  "  "   '  " 

J.  Nyler,  Co.  A,  "  "  " 

William  Stinson, 

Daniel  Leach,  Co.  A, 

Charles  W.  Lyon,  Co.  A,        "  "  " 

James  McManus,  Co.  A,        "  "  " 

David  L.  Stage,  Co.  A, 

Frank  Mcrganthiler,  Co.  A,  "  " 

John  Muskulus,  Co.  A,  "  "  " 

Thomas  Dickinson,  Co.  A,  " 
Bugler  Joseph  Horn,  Co.  A,  " 

Private  Jacob  Ott,  Co.  A,  died,  typhoides,  Hatteras,  Nov.  12,  1861. 

Robert  Topping,  Co.  A,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Private  William  Gunther,  Co.  B,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
John  A.  Cortez,  Co.  B,      " 
John  Shaffer,  Co.  B,  "  "  " 

Mathias  Lintner,  Co.  B,      " 
Eugene  Rassiga,  Co.  B,       "  "  " 

William  S.  Moser,  Co.  B,     "  "  " 

Napoleon  B.  Spicer,  Co.  B,  "  "     . 

Thomas  Atkinson,  Co.  B,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17, 1862. 
Michael  Good,  Co.  B,  "  "  " 

Richard  Grant,  Co.  B,  "  "  " 

Spencer  L.  Harris,  Co.  B,       " 
James  N.  Hyatt,  Co.  B,  "       .          " 

M.  O'Connor,  Co.  B, 
William  Pfaffle,  Co.  B, 
Charles  L.  Roeder,  Co.  B,      " 
Michael  Stanton,  Co.  B,          "  " 

Peter  Wagner,  Co.  B, 
James  Low,  Co.  B, 


THEIR   BATTLES   AND   MARCHES.  203 

Private  John  IT.  Roberts,  Co.  B,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
F.  Pfaffle,  Co.  B, 

Samuel  Osborne,  Co.  B,          "  "  " 

John  Smith,  Co.  B,  "  "  " 

William  II.  Bailey,  Co.  B,       "  "  " 

John  B.  Adair,  Co.  B,  "  "    -  " 

Silliman  Hubbell,  Co.  B,        "  " 

Wm.  V.  H.  Cortelyou,  Co.  B,  leg  amputated,  Camden,  April 

19,  1862. 
Eugene   Rassiga,  Co.    B,  wounded   leg,    Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 
Harold    Hutchinson,   Co.    B,  wounded,    Camden,    April   19, 

1862,  (died.) 

John  Hampson,  Co.  B,  wounded,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
Andrew  Schoonmaker,  Co.  B,  wounded,  Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 

Michael  O'Conner,  Co.  B,  wounded,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
Charles  Miller,  "  "  «  « 

David  Hairing,  "  "  "  " 

Byron  G.  Sill,  Co.  B,  Antietam,  Sept,  17,  1862. 
Thomas  Palmer,  Co.  B,  Roanoke,  Feb.  8,  1862. 
Albert  Thomas,  Co.  B,  Roanoke,  Feb.  8,  1862. 
WED.  Hines,  Co.  B,  wounded,  Newports  News,  Aug.,  1861. 
Thomas  H.  Roseberry,  Co.  B,  died,  intermittent  fever,  Dec. 

15,  1862. 

Private  Philip  Wekaser,  Co.  C,  wounded,  knee,  Camden,  April  19, 

1682. 

Joseph  Becker,  Co.  C,  wounded,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
Paul  Witz,  Co.  C,  wounded,  foot,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 

Wra.  K.  Watson,  Co.  C,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Frank  Prosser,  Co  C,  killed,             "                     "  " 

Emil  Beese,  Co.  C,  wounded,            "                     "  " 

Wm.  B.  Aber,  Co.  C,  wounded,        "                     "  « 

John  Brennan,  Co.  C,  wounded,       "                     "  " 

Stephen  P.  Crawford,  Co.  C,  wounded,  Antietam,  "  " 

Paul  J.  Clerihew,  Co.  C,  wounded,               "         "  " 

Joseph  Halliwell,  Co.  C,  wounded,               "         "  " 

John  II.  Mecabe,  Co.  C,  wounded,               "        "  " 

Alex.  McXab,  Co.  C,  wounded,                    "         "  " 


204  THE   HAWKINS   ZOUAVES  : 

Private  Daniel    O'Brien,  Co.  C,   wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
Zack  Seegie,  Co.  C,  wounded,  "  "          " 

Wm.  Vogel,  Co.  C,  wounded,  "  "          " 

George  Wilson,  Co.  C,  wounded,  "  "          " 

Alexander  B.  Cruden,  Co.  C,  wounded,1'  " 

James  Gallaher,  Co.  C,  died,  febris  remittens,  Hatteras,  Nov. 

4,  1861. 
George  Morschauser,  Co.  C,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Private  Henry  Bessling,  Co.  D,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
William  Bothers,  Co.  D,  killed,         "  "          " 

Charles  Michaels,  Co.  D,  killed,        "  "          " 

Otto  Benthuysen,  Co.  D,  killed,        "  "          " 

James  H.  Brainard,  Co.  D,  wounded,"  "          " 

Florence  Crawley,  Co.  D,  wounded,  "  "          " 

James  Ewell,  Co.  D,  wounded,          "  "          " 

Mathias  Govern,  Co.  D,  wounded,    "  "          " 

John  Lawrence,  Co.  D,  wounded,    "  "          " 

Marcus  McCoy,  Co.  D,  wounded,      "  "          " 

Louis  Merge,  Co.  D,  wounded, 

Wm.  H.  Searles,  Co.  D,  wounded,  "  "          " 

Joseph  Matthews,  Co.  D,  wounded,  "  " 

Henry  Westfall,  Co.  D,  wounded,    " 
George  Wiebert,  Co.  D,  wounded,    "  "          " 

Peter  Cavanah,  Co.  D,  wounded,      "  "          " 

Samuel  Rotch,  Co.  D,  wounded,       "  "          " 

J.  Frank  Ilughson,  Co.  D,  wounded,  "  "          " 

John  C.  Cuitin,  Co.  D,  wrist  amputated,  Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 

John  Roddy,  Co.  D,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
John  A.  Van  Scoy,  Co.  D,  "  "  " 

Louis  Longman,  Co.  D,  "  "       '    " 

Charles  Taylor,  Co.  D,   died,  typhoid  pneumonia,   Roanoke, 

May  15,  1862. 

Jacob  Mentz,  Co.  D,  wounded,  mouth,  Suffolk,  April,  1862. 
John  McKusker,  Co,  D,  killed,  Fredericksburgh,  Dec.  13, 1862. 

Musician  John  Winn,  Co.  D,  died  of  typhoid  fever,  Jan.  10,  1863. 

Private  James  II.  Skinner,  Co.  E,  wounded,  Roanoke,  Feb.  8,  1862. 
James  Juage,  Co.  E,  "  "        " 


THEIE  BATTLES  AND  MAECHES.  205 

Private  Wm.  R.  Van  Sickle,  Co.  E,  wounded,  (died  from  effect  of 

wound,)  Roanoke,  Feb.  8,  1862. 
Henry  Millivette,  Co.  E,  wounded,  (died  from  effect  of  wound,) 

Roanoke,  Feb.  8,  1862. 

John  R.  Autin,  Co.  E,  drowned  at  Hatteras,  Nov.  1,  1861. 
Thomas  M.  Golding,  Co.  E,  drowned  at  Hatteras,  Nov.  1, 1861. 
John  Dunn,  Co.  E,  died,  febris  typhoides,  Hatteras,  Dec.  22, 

1861. 
Hugh  Byrne,  Co.    E,  wounded,   arm    amputated,   Camden, 

April  19,  1862. 
Henry  Sweetman,  Co.  E,  wounded,  thigh,  Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 

Crookstan,  Co.  E,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
Philip  Blazer,  Co.  E,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
Robert  P.  Hassan,  Co.  E,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
Nicholas  Jochun,  Co.  E,  "          "  "  " 

Augustus  Leindhardt,  Co.  E,    "          "  "          " 

Jabez  C.  F.  Lockward,  Co.  E,  "  "  "          " 

Bernard  McDermott,  Co.  E,     "          "  "          " 

James  Mclntee,  Co.  E  "  "  "          " 

John  A.  Smith,  Co  E,  "  "  "  " 

John  J.  Bower,  Co.  E,  wounded,  Antietam,          "  " 

Benj.  Campbell,  Co.  E,      "  "  "          " 

Patrick  Coen,  Co,  E,  "  "  "  " 

John  B.  Gandolph,  Co.  E,  "  "  "  " 

John  Hess,  Co.  E,  "  "  "          " 

James  Hyer,  Co.  E,  "  "  "  " 

John  Knubell,  Co.  E,          "  "  "  " 

Paul  McLaughlin,  Co.  E,    "  "  "          " 

Charles  Sawyer,  Co.  E,       "  "  "  " 

Henry  Sweetman,  Co.*E,     "  " 

Andrew  Volk,  Co.  E,          "  " 

Frank  Hart,  Co.  E,  " 

James  Withers,  Co.  E,       "  "  " 

Patrick  Cannon,  Co.  E,       "  "  " 

Bugler  John  S.  Lange,  Co.  E,          "  "  " 

Private  Adam  Dillman,  Co.  E,  killed,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
Thomas  T.  Kelly,  Co.  E,         "  «*.-,«• 

James  Cloments,  Co.  E,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
Nicholas  Farrell,  Co.  E,        "  "          " 

10 


206  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES  I 

Private  Hermon  Shepherd,  Co.  F,  killed,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
John  Byrd,  Co.  F,  wounded,  thigh,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
Louis  Coulman,  Co.  F,  wounded,  thigh,  Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 
George  Cummings,  Co.  F,  wounded,  abdomen,  Camden,  April 

19,  1862. 
Henry  Hartenfals,  Co.  F,  both  thumbs  amputated,  Camden, 

April  19,  1862. 

John  J.  Kelly,  Co.  F,  head,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
Vallade,  Co.  F,  wounded,  leg  and  thigh,  Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 

Henry  Wise,  Co.  F,  wounded,  hand,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
Wm.  Dickson,  Co.  F,  died,  typhoid  fever,  Hattcras,  Jan.  3, 

1862. 

Wm.  H.  Van  Houten,  Co.  F,  died,  perforation  intestine,  Hat- 
teras,  Jan.  3,  1862. 

Private  Edward  Drum,  Co.  G,  both  hands,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
Garrit  Allison,  Co.  G,  arm,  "  "  " 

Hugh  McElroy,  Co.  G,  "  «  « 

Wm.  Fields,  Co.  G,  wounded,  arm,        "  "  " 

Wm.  White,  Co.  G,  « 

Campbell,  Co.  G,  died,  diphtheria,  Oct.  16,  1861. 
Peter  Fisher,  Co.  G,  wounded,  arm,  Suffolk,  April,  1863. 
James  Conway,  Co.  G,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  IT,  1862. 
Allen  W.  Negus,  Co.  G,          "        "  "    '       « 

Jacob  Hopper,  Co.  G,  "        "  "          « 

Brainard  Hubbard,  Co.  G,     u         "  "          " 

George  A.  Delavegue,  Co.  G,  "         "  "  " 

John  Devlin,  Co.  G,  "        "  "  » 

Charles  Coulman,  Co.  G,  wounded,  Antietam,  "        .  " 
W.  Williams,  Co.  G,  "  "         "  " 

Charles  O'Donnell,  Co.  G,     "  "        "  " 

Thomas  W.  Connolly,  Co.  G, "  "        "          « 

Andrew  Lehring,  Co.  G,        "  "         "  " 

Gilbert  Berthoff,  Co.  G,         "  "         «  « 

Michael  Brady,  Co.  G,          "  "         »          « 

Philip  Crock,  Co.  G,  "  "         « 

Aaron  Van  Namcc,  Co.  (?,    "  "        "  " 

Patrick  Cotter,  Co.  G,  "  •    "         "  " 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND   MARCHES.  207 

Private  Herman  Stewart,  Co.  G,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
James  Orr,  Co.  G, 
Daniel  Patrick,  Co.  G, 
John  Kenedy,  Co.  G, 
Alfred  Thompson,  Co.  G,      " 
David  L.  Thompson,  Co.  G,  " 
Michael  Heartling,  Co.  G,     " 
Henry  McQuade,  Co.  G, 
Emila  J.  Coleman,  Co.  G,     " 

James  Early,  Co.  G,  wounded,  Roanokc,  Feb.  8,  1862. 
Neal  Cannon,  Co.  G,  "  "        " 

Drummer  Samuel  J.  Van  Ness,  Co.  H,  died,  Newports  News,  Aug.  9, 

1862. 

Private  JohnN.  Whalers,  Co.  H,  died,  Newports  News,  Aug.  12, 1862. 
Solomon  Rose,  Co.  H,         "  "  "      Aug.  3,      " 

John  O'Connell,  Co.  H,  died,  Maryland,  Sept.  27,  1862. 
Thomas  Burke,  Co.  II,  wounded,  thigh,  Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 
George  B.  Carter,  Co.  II,  wounded,  thigh,  Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 

Alex.  Denny,  Co.  H,  wounded,  arm,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
John  A.  Eisley,  Co.  II,  head  and  side,     "  "         " 

Patrick  Preston,  Co.  H,  wounded,  thigh,  Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 
William  Burns,  Co.  H,  right  arm  amputated,  Camden,  April 

19,  1862, 
Patrick  Nash,  Co.  H,  wounded,   knee,  Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 
Henry  J.  Nolan,  Co.  II,  wounded,  face,  Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 
William  D.  Cavanaugh,  Co.  H,  killed,  Camden,  April  19, 

1862. 

George  Mayne,  Co.  H,  killed,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
Patrick  Daly,  Co.  H,         "  "        " 

Christian  Busam,  Co.  II,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
John  Byrd,  Co.  H, 
Frank  Donahoe,  Co.  H,      « 
David  Fleming,  Co.  H,        "  "  " 

David  Johnson,  Co.  H,       " 


208  THE  HAWKINS  ZOUAVES: 

Private  William  H.  Stevenson,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

John  Crossin,  Co.  H,  wounded,         "  »  « 

John  Johnson,  Co.  H  "  "  "  « 

Isaac  Kehn,  Co.  H,  "  »  «  « 

Francis  Knauth,  Co.  H,  "  "  «  « 

James  McGinnes,  Co.  II,  "  "  «  « 

John  Owens,  Co.  H,  "  "  «  « 

John  Cornell,  Co.  H,  "  "  «  « 

William  Reese,  Co.  H,  "  "  «  « 

John  Wallace,  Co.  H,  "  "  «  « 

Thomas  Pearson,  Co.  II,  "  «  «  « 

Samuel  Snyder,  Co.  H,  "  "  «  « 

John  Twaddle,  Co.  H,  "  «  «  « 

Private  James  Warren,  Co.  I,  drowned  in  Narrows,  June  5,  1861. 

John  Bennett,  Co.  I,  died  from  impacted  faces,  perforation 

intestine,  Newports  News,  July  25,  1861. 
Charles  W.  Haltzman,  Co.  I,  died  of  gunshot  wound  in  head 

August  3   1861. 

Hugh  McClosky,  Co.  I,  wounded,  head  and  right  tibia,  Suf 
folk,  April,  1863. 
William  Cockefier,  Co.  I,  wounded,  shoulder,  Camden  April 

19,  1862. 
Charles  E.  Johnson,  Co.  I,  wounded,  wrist,  Camden  April 

19,  1862. 

John  McKinley,  Co.  I,  wounded,  head,  Camden,  April  19, 1862. 
Frank  Hyclder,  Co.  I,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
William  Saward,  Co.  I,  killed,  Camden,  April  19,  1862. 
James  Murphy,  Co.  I,  killed,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 
Levi  Collins,  Co.  I,        L"  "  «         « 

William  Shaw,  Co.  I,       "  "  «         « 

Edward  Dennis,  Co.  I,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1S62. 
John  D.  Bliss,  Co.  I,  "  "  «         « 

Charles  F.  Johnson,  Co.  I,  "  "  »         « 

Edward  H.  Kenan,'  Co.  I,    "  "  "         <« 

James  Shultz,  Co.  I,  "  ««  «         « 

Hamilton  H.  Thain,  Co.  I,  "  "  "         « 

William  Smith,  Co.  I,         "  "  "         «' 

Lewis  A.  Platt,  Co.  I,          "  "  «         « 

Patrick  Feeley,  Co.  I,          "  "  «*         « 


THEIR  BATTLES  AND  MARCHES.  209 

Private  Richard  Scanlon,  Co.  K,  wounded,  shoulder,  Roanoke,  Feb. 

8,  1862,  (died.) 
Glancy  Wheeler,  Co.   K,  wounded,  leg,  Roanoke,    Feb.  8, 

1862. 

Howard  Fleming,  Co.  K,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept  17,  1862. 
James  Hogan,  Co.  K,  wounded,  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

In  addition  to  those  above  there  are  many  names  of  wounded  which, 
we  regret  to  say,  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  record  with  this  work.  The 
whole  list  complete  numbers  over  four  hundred  in  the  aggregate,  many 
bein  wounded  two  or  three  times. 


of  Killed,  i^ouwied,  and  $ecea$ed  $inoo  tho 


CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  G.  BARNETT,  of  Company  B,  again  entered  the  ser 
vice  a  short  time  after  the  regiment  was  mustered  out.  He  was  an  ac 
complished  soldier  and  a  thorough  tactician.  He  held  a  command  in 
the  Seventeenth  New-  York  Yolunteers,  which  accompanied  General 
Sherman  in  his  grand  march  from  Atlanta  to  the  sea,  and  up  to  Wash 
ington.  The  Captain  met  his  death  at  Averysboro,  N.  C.,  by  receiving 
a  ball  in  the  head.  He  is  among  the  few  who  have  passed  through  the 
war  and  finally  closed  it  with  his  life's  blood.  His  body  was  subse 
quently  brought  home,  and  interred  with  appropriate  honors  by  the 
Hawkins  Zouave  Association. 

First  Lieutenant  FLEMMING,  of  Company  I,  Ninth  New-  York  Yolun 
teers,  a  First  Lieutenant  Sixteenth  New-  York  Cavalry,  was  surprised 
and  brutally  murdered  by  guerrillas  near  Fairfax  Court-House,  Va. 

EDWARD  K.  WIGHTMAN,  of  Company  B,  Ninth  New-  York  Yolunteers, 
while  serving  out  the  balance  of  his  term  in  the  Third  New-  York  Vol 
unteer  Infantry,  was  killed  at  the  storming  of  Fort  Fisher,  in  which 
action  he  bore  so  honorable  a  part  that  all  who  knew  him  speak 
proudly  of  him.  He  was  an  excellent  soldier  and  gentleman. 

JAMES  OWENS,  of  Company  E,  Ninth  New-  York  Yolunteers,  reenlisted, 
and  was  killed  at  the  attack  on  Petersburg!!,  under  General  Grant.  He 
was  a  gallant  and  intrepid  soldier,  and  was  determined  never  to  return 
home  so  long  as  a  rebel  flag  floated  over  his  country, 


210  THE   HAWKINS  ZOUAVES. 

FRANK  KATTTII,  of  Company  H,  Ninth  New- York  Volunteers,  died  on 
the  fifth  of  May,  1864. 

JACOB  WINDALL,  of  Company  K,  Ninth  New-York  Volunteers,  re- 
enlisted,  and  was  captured  by  the  enemy.  He  was  confined  for  many 
months  in  Andersonville,  where,  from  want  of  food,  exposure,  and  ill- 
treatment,  he  was  reduced  to  a  skeleton.  Upon  being  exchanged  he 
was  conveyed  to  his  home  ;  but  the  most  delicate  nourishment  and  the 
kindest  care  of  his  relatives  failed  to  restore  him  to  his  proper  physical 
condition,  which  was  forever  impaired,  and  he  died  in  few  days. 

Sergeant  JAMES  B.  DENIIAM,  who  received  a  wound  at  the  battle  of 
Camden,  N.  C.,  died  from  its  effects,  after  prolonged  suffering,  on  Wed 
nesday,  October  18th,  1865.  His  funeral  was  attended  by  a  large  con 
course  of  relatives  and  friends,  and  the  members  of  the  Hawkins 
Zouave  Association,  Hawkins  Zouave  Militia  Kegiment,  Neptune  En 
gine  Company  No.  7,  and  the  Brooklyn,  E.  D.,  Fire  Department  gen 
erally. 

First  Lieutenant  ROBERT  W.  ARMSTRONG,  reenlisting,  was  commissioned 
as  Lieutenant  of  a  colored  regiment,  and  killed  at  the  explosion  of  the 
mine  before  Petersburgh. 

ANDREW  J.  WRIGHT,  of  Company  K,  reenlisted  in  the  Fourth  New- 
York  Heavy  Artillery,  and  was  killed  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley. 

Those  who  reenlisted  became  so'scattered  that  it  is  impossible  to  pro 
cure  information  of  the  probable  disaster  among  them. 


APPENDIX 


NOTE  A 

IN  the  month  of  July,  1860,  Messrs.  Hawkins,  Barnett,  Pari- 
sen,  Hammill,  Graham,  Childs*,  and  others,  first  conceived  the 
idea  of  organizing  a  company  of  Zouaves,  which  was  to  be  the 
foundation  of  a  future  regiment,  to  be  known  as  the  New-York 
Zouaves.  A  number  of  preliminary  meetings  were  held,  and 
the  scheme  met  with  favor  and  was  readily  taken  hold  of.  The 
Committee  on  Rooms  reported  in  favor  of  engaging  a  drill-room 
at  the  Mercer  House ;  and  on  motion  the  report  was  accepted, 
and  the  room  engaged.  A  Printing  Committee,  consisting  of 
Messrs.  Hammill,  Barclay,  and  Clancy,  was  appointed.  Messrs. 
Hawkins,  Baldwin,  and  Cohen  were  chosen  a  standing  Finance 
Committee.  Messrs.  Hawkins,  Parisen,  and  Cohen  were  ap 
pointed  a  Committee  on  Military  Instruction  and  Lectures,  with 
power  to  increase  their  number  to  seven.  On  motion  it  was  re 
solved  that  the  corps  should  meet  at  the  Mercer  House  the  next 
week  for  business  and  drill.  They  determined  to  proceed  imme 
diately  to  hard  work,  and  to  use  every  endeavor  to  rival  in  effect 
iveness  the  celebrated  French  Zouaves.  And  certainly  they  de 
serve  much  praise  for  imparting  this  resolute  spirit  to  the  mem 
bers  of  the  Hawkins  Zouaves,  who  have  more  than  fulfilled  its 
every  letter.  They  subsequently  removed  their  headquarters  to 
the  more  convenient  location  corner  of  Thompson  and  Fourth 
streets,  where  the  spacious  Washington  Parade-Ground  was  at 
their  disposal,  and  at  which  place  they  were  when  the  Hawkins 
Zouaves  volunteered  for  two  years. 


212  APPENDIX. 


NOTE  B. 

The  esteem  for  the  Colonel  manifested  by  the  men  while  in  the 
service  was  not  of  a  volatile  character ;  for,  since  being  mustered 
out,  transactions  have  passed  between  the  two  parties  which 
have  riveted  them  in  mutual  affection.  No  higher  evidence  of 
this  can  be  necessary  than  the  fact,  that  when  the  organization 
of  the  Zouave  Militia  Regiment  first  commenced,  not  a  man 
would  sign  the  roll  unless  it  was  a  part  of  the  compact  that  Col 
onel  Hawkins  should  command  the  regiment.  And  at  a  subse 
quent  period  it  was  suspicioned  by  a  number  of  the  men  that 
an  illegitimate  use  of  his  name  was  made  as  an  inducement  to 
promote  the  scheme,  and  in  consequence  enlistments  almost 
wholly  ceased,  until  all  heard  the  announcement  from  his  own 
lips  that  the  suspicion  was  unfounded,  and  that  he  was  proud  of 
the  position  to  which  they  had  a  second  time  called  him— for 
members  of  regiments  usually  get  enough  of  their  Colonel  the 
first  time.  It  must  be  understood  that  he  was  bound  in  destiny 
with  them,  and  he  would  not  leave  the  regiment,  even  if  he  was 
obliged  to  shoulder  his  musket  and  go  in  the  rear  rank. 

NOTE  C. 

Sergeant-Major  Peacock  was  undoubtedly  one  of  the  vilest  of 
traitors.  He  enlisted  from  motives  purely  mercenary,  and  there 
was  not  a  particle  of  patriotism  in  him.  Upon  one  occasion  he 
told  us  that  he  was  fighting  for  the  Federal  Government  simply 
because  on  our  side  he  could  get  a  few  dollars  per  month  more 
than  the  Confederates  would  give.  His  words  (and  they  were 
all  of  the  same  kind)  were  not  fully  explained  until  long  after 
his  capture  by  the  rebels  in  the  instance  named.  When  Ser- 
geant-Major  Dusenberry,  who  superseded  him,  was  captured  at 
Antietam,  with  others  of  the  regiment,  he  was  taken  to  Rich 
mond,  and  confined  in  the  Libby  Prison,  where  he  found  the 
traitorous  Peacock  under  rebel  colors  as  officer  of  the  'guard, 
having  been  promoted  to  a  captaincy  for  his  zeal  in  their  service. 
But  he  found  it  policy  to  treat  the  Zouaves  with  unusual  kind 
ness,  and  to  some  he  even  offered  money  for  the  purchase  of 


APPENDIX.  213 

necessaries.  They  were  obliged  to  bear  his  insulting  appearance, 
and  wait  until  the  change  of  events  should  bring  punishment. 
He  was  afterward  seen  in  New- York,  where  he  came  with  a  piti 
ful  story ;  and  he  was  advised  to  avoid  the  society  of  any  of  the 
Zouaves ;  for  should  he  chance  to  meet  them,  transactions  would 
probably  take  place  which  might  render  him  a  subject  for  hospi 
tal  treatment.  He  took  passage  in  the  first  steamer  for  Europe. 

NOTE  D. 

When  in  conversation  with  Colonel  Hawkins,  General  Phclps 
would  speak  of  the  Zouaves  as  a  credit  to  any  commander  ;  and 
almost  always  after  praising  them  highly,  he  would  conclude  by 
saying  :  "Yes,  yes,  a  very  fine  regiment,  Colonel — a  very  fine 
regiment ;  but  they  want  considerable  drilling  and  harnessing." 
The  following  is  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  the  General  to  Fran 
cis  A.  Silva,  at  one  time  €aptain  of  a  company  in  the  "Ninth"  : 

BIUTTLEBORO,  VERMONT,  May  30,  1865. 

I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  sending  me  an  obituary  notice  of  Cap 
tain  Barnett.  It  accords  well  with  the  character  of  the  regiment  to 
remember  the  services  of  its  members  as  an  honor  to  the  sincerity  of 
their  patriotism ;  for  very  few  regiments  were  of  a  more  decided,  na 
tional,  and  patriotic  character.  The  boys  were  animated  by  a  spirit  as 
wide  as  the  limits  of  the  country,  and  as  deep  as  its  best  interests. 
Their  proclivities  toward  order,  method,  system,  and  regularity,  did 
honor  to  their  intelligence  as  well  as  to  their  patriotism.  I  remember 
them  always  with  particular  pleasure. 

Very  respectfully  yours,  J.  W.  PHELPS. 

This  long-standing  love  of  the  General's  is  sufficient  to  dissi 
pate  any  seeming  singularity  which  may  be  attributed  to  him  in 
regretting  to  part  with  these  two  companies  as  he  did. 


214  APPENDIX. 


NOTE  E. 

The  consequence  of  drilling  and  working  the  regiment  so 
hard  was,  that  one  half  of  them  were  soon  on  the  sick-list. 
Assistant-Surgeon  White  was  in  charge  of  the  dispensary  at 
Camp  Winfield,  where  the  greater  portion  of  the  regiment  was 
at  that  time,  and  the  men  always  give  him  great  praise  for  at 
tending  to  his  duties  in  such  a  prompt  and  gentleman-like  man 
ner.  He  always  exhibited  a  kindliness  seldom  met  with,  more 
particularly  when  their  bodily  ailments  called  for  his  sympa 
thies. 

NOTE  F. 

If  reports  can  at  all  be  credited,  it  would  appear  that  the  pub 
lic  have  been  greatly  deceived  in  regard  to  the  first  charge  of  the 
war  at  the  battle  of  Roanoke,  made  by  the  Hawkins  Zouaves. 
The  Ninth  New-Jersey  say  that  there  was  not  an  enemy  in  the 
battery  when  the  Zouaves  made  their  appearance  upon  the  bat 
tle-field.  This  must  be  erroneous,  for  the  Ninth  New-Jersey 
were  still  discharging  their  muskets  when  the  "Ninth"  went 
ahead  of  them  and  charged  up  the  "causeway."  Were  they 
firing  at  nothing  ? 

The  Fifty-first  New- York  claim  the  honor  of  capturing  the  bat 
tery.  The  Zouaves  were  a  little  ahead  in  winning  the  glory,  but 
have  since  been  very  backward  in  claiming  it.  The  true  circum 
stances  are,  that  loth  regiments  made  a  charge,  the  Fifty -first 
upon  the  enemy's  right,  and  the  "  Ninth  "  in  the  centre.  The 
colors  of  the  Zouaves  were  in  the  centre  of  the  regiment  when 
they  charged  by  the  flank,  where  they  should  be ;  but  the  colors 
of  the  Fifty-first  were  at  the,  head  of  their  column,  where  they 
should  not  be ;  and  from  the  fact  alone  that  their  colors  were  in 
the  battery  first,  they  claim  what  justly  belongs  to  the  Zouaves  ; 

for  BEFOKE  THEIR  FLAG  HAD  REACHED  THE  ENEMY' S  WORKS,  AT 
LEAST  TWO  HUNDRED  OF  THE  "  NlNTH "  HAD  POURED  IN  THE  BAT 
TERY,  AND  DRIVEN  THE  REBELS  FROM  THEIR  GUNS.  Undoubtedly 

the  Fifty-first  had  planted  their  flag  upon  the  parapet  in  advance 
of  the  colors  of  the  Zouaves ;  but  DO  FLAGS  TAKE  BATTERIES  OR 

DO  MEN  ? 


APPENDIX.  215 

The  "Ninth"  thinks  there  was  glory  enough  won  on  that 
occasion  for  all,  and  they  wish  for  no  share  that  legally  belongs 
to  others  ;  but  the  part  the  Fifty-first  have  taken  since  then  to 
belittle  the  merits  of  the  Zouaves,  is  widely  disparaging  to  the 
noble  career  they  have  won  throughout  the  war. 

NOTE  G. 

Surgeon  Humphreys  was  one  of  the  most  valuable  officers  in 
the  regiment,  and  upon  all  occasions  during  battle  he  attended 
to  the  wounded  while  it  was  going  on,  and  in  his  anxiety  to  re 
lieve  others  of  suffering,  seemed  wholly  unconscious  of  all  dan 
ger  to  himself.  The  regiment  was  proud  of  him,  and  boasted 
that  he  could  do  as  much  "  work"  (in  the  line  of  surgical  opera 
tions)  in  ten  minutes  as  any  other  two  could  in  twenty.  He  is 
spoken  deservedly  of  in  Lieut.-Coloncl  Kimball's  report  of  the 
battle  :  "  Acting  Brigade-Surgeon  Humphreys,  of  this  regiment, 
is  entitled  to  great  praise  on  this  occasion,  having  been  constant 
ly  in  attendance  upon  the  wounded,  until  after  their  arrival  at 
Roanokc  Island,  and  upward  of  twenty-eight  hours  without 
sleep."  The  wounded  always  considered  themselves  unfor 
tunate  when  they  chanced  to  be  placed  under  the  care  of  an 
other. 

NOTE  H. 

The  following  notice  of  the  death  of  this  gallant  officer  finds 
a  response  of  deep  sympathy  in  the  heart  of  every  man  in  the 
regiment.  That  he  became  so  soon  attached  to  them  was  partly 
because  he  was  impartial  to  all,  uniform  in  his  gentlemanly  con 
duct,  and  possessed  of  a  system  of  order.  "  Although  the  field 
was  won,  its  price  was  dear  to  the  regiment,  and  particularly  so 
in  the  loss  of  its  Adjutant,  that  accomplished  soldier  and  gentle 
man,  Charles  A.  Gadsden.  He  was  but  lately  appointed,  and 
had  been  on  duty  with  us  only  for  the  short  space  of  five  days ; 
yet  in  that  time  he  had  endeared  himself  to  all  with  whom  he 
came  in  contact.  He  died  gallantly  at  the  head  of  the  regiment, 
and  in  the  honorable  performance  of  the  duties  of  his  profession. 
All  regret  his  death,  and  will  always  kindly  and  proudly  remem 
ber  his  connection  with  us."  His  body  was  carefully  embalmed 


216  APPENDIX. 

and  sent  homo  under  a  proper  escort,  and  the  funeral  solemni 
ties  were  observed  in  his  native  city,  where  his  dearest  relatives 
and  friends  could  lay  him  down  gently  to  his  rest." 

NOTE  I. 

"  I  can  not  close  this  report  without  bearing  testimony  to  the 
good  conduct,  on  the  battle-field  and  in  the  hospital,  of  the 
Rev.  T.  W.  Conway.  He  not  only  remained  after  the  army  had 
left,  and  aided  the  wounded  in  the  hospital,  and  buried  and  per 
formed  the  funeral  service  over  all  the  dead  in  the  different  regi 
ments  ;  but  he  then  collected,  took  command  of,  and  brought 
safely  into  camp,  with  great  risk  to  himself,  detachments  from 
the  different  regiments  of  above  forty  strong,  who  had  fallen  out 
by  the  roadside  from  exhaustion." — KinibaWs  Report. 

Since  then  Mr.  Conway  has  passed  through  a  checkered  and 
eventful  history  in  connection  with  his  benevolent  labors  among 
the  freedmen ;  and  we  deeply  regret  that  we  have  not  space  to 
give  one  or  two  interesting  incidents  of  that  history. 

NOTE  K. 

May  30,  1862. — "  This  morning  the  side-wheel  steamer  Port 
Royal  arrived  here  from  Roanoke  Island,  via  the  Currituck  and 
Dismal  Swamp  Canal.  Colonel  Hawkins  and  twenty  of  his  gal 
lant  Zouaves  are  the  first  to  open  connection  between  Generals 
Wool  and  Burnside.  By  this  movement  we  can  dispense  with 
all  the  seaward  transportation,  and  forward  supplies,  etc.,  in  a 
safe  and  rapid  manner  to  our  troops  in  that  vicinity.  I  learn 
from  the  Zouaves  that  their  passage  was  unobstructed ;  but  pre 
vious  to  their  starting  they  were  some  time  removing  obstacles 
which  had  been  put  down  by  the  rebels  some  time  since.  They 
will  return  by  the  same  route,"  etc. — Fortress  Monroe  Corre 
spondence. 

NOTE  L. 

Among  the  most  conspicuous  in  liberal  hospitality  was  the 
family  of  Nathaniel  Haller,  of  East  Patrick  street.  On  behalf  of 
many  members  of  the  regiment,  who  have  been  the  subjects  of 
their  kindness,  we  make  this  thankful  acknowledgment. 


14  DAY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

LOAN  DEPT. 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or 

on  the  date  to  which  renewed. 
Renewed  books  are  subject  to  immediate  recall. 


IAW  2  3  1967  5  9 

UH»"  **  *•*    * 

IN  STArKS 

•>AN  3    1967 

•wv 

•' 

. 

LD  21A-60m-7,'66 
(G4427slO)47CB 


General  Library 

University  of  California 

Berkeley 


M122918 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


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